Nigerian music star, Innocent Idibia, popularly known as 2Baba, has demanded urgent and collective action against the renewed killings in Benue State, describing the situation as a “national emergency”.

In a video posted to Instagram on Sunday, the Benue-born singer expressed grief and frustration over the incessant bloodshed in his home state.

“What is going on in my state has become a national emergency. I cannot wrap my head around it. I don’t even know what to say at this point in time because it is going to be business as usual,” he lamented.

His outcry followed fresh attacks in the state, where over 100 people were reportedly killed by suspected herders in Yelewata and Daudu communities in Guma Local Government Area (LGA).

Another 25 were slain in Mtswenem and Akondotyough Bawa in Makurdi LGA.

2Baba, 49, said the situation has become “ridiculous” and called for urgent collaboration among all stakeholders.

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“This thing has to stop. It has to involve everybody. Every stakeholder in this country, every stakeholder in Benue State. This is not child’s play. It’s becoming ridiculous.

“My heart is heavy. I am terribly sad, terribly angry. What is happening in Benue has gone beyond mere condemnation. Serious action needs to be taken,” he said.

His remarks have also elicited further reactions from several public figures. Nigerian rapper Olamide took to X (formerly Twitter), reposting 2Baba’s video, writing, “Prayers up for Benue.”

Comedian Ayo Makun, known as AY, added on Instagram, “We cannot turn a blind eye to the suffering happening in our homeland. It’s time for us to stand together.”

Pastor Femi Lazarus urged the Federal Government to act swiftly, citing a trail of violence from “Benue to Plateau to Kaduna, Borno.”

Also weighing in, media personality Bobrisky criticised lawmakers for ignoring the killings while prioritising less critical matters.

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“Senators/House of Representatives didn’t call an urgent meeting over the killings in Benue… but they can call an urgent meeting when it comes to Bobrisky. Shame!!!!” he wrote.

Meanwhile, the massacre has triggered protests in Makurdi, the Benue State capital. On Sunday, angry youths converged at the Wurukum food basket roundabout, demanding justice and condemning what they described as silence from both President Bola Tinubu and Governor Hyacinth Alia.

The youths were later joined by a social media influencer, Martin Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan (VDM).

The renewed attacks in Benue have left hundreds dead and displaced many. On Friday, June 14, at least 59 people—including military and civil defence personnel—were killed during a night assault on the Yelewata community.

In April, about 60 residents were slaughtered in Ukum and Logo LGAs, while another 42 people were killed in Gwer West in May.

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The violence has drawn condemnation from international and national figures. Pope Leo XIV described the recent incidents as a “terrible massacre” and urged justice.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party leader Peter Obi also criticised the Federal Government’s handling of the crisis.

Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue refuted claims that Abuja has neglected the state. Speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Monday, he said President Bola Tinubu has been supportive.

“Seventeen local governments out of 23 were under siege. We fought it down to three with full Federal support. The last time we had severe attacks, three security units were sent from the Federal Government, and those who occupied local areas had to flee,” he said.

Governor Alia further blamed the state’s porous borders for the continued violence.

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“We share borders with Cameroon, Taraba, and Nasarawa. The attackers are not necessarily Nigerians. A thief doesn’t just come into a community unless someone within that community helps,” he said, adding that some militia may have local collaborators within Benue.

He noted a growing shift in the pattern of violence and lamented that what began as clashes between farmers and herders has now evolved into well-armed, targeted attacks with little to no link to grazing.

“Before now, we talked about the farmer-herder crisis. Now, they come with no cattle. They attack, kill, and then others return to occupy the land,” he said.

The governor also cited intelligence reports from Nasarawa, claiming some of the terrorists may be using Benue as a passage route.

Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has announced plans to visit Benue State on Wednesday to condole with residents.

The president made this known on Monday, during the inauguration of the Greater Abuja Water Supply Project; Tinubu said he would adjust his schedule to make the trip.
(Channels TV)