A CONDEMNATION OF THE YELEWATA MASSACRE AND THE URGENT NEED TO REFORM NIGERIA’S SECURITY ARCHITECTURE
The recent massacre of over 200 Nigerians in Yelewata, Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, is a heartbreaking tragedy that must stir the deepest parts of our national conscience. What occurred was not merely a security lapse—it was a failure of foresight, coordination, and justice. As a nation, we cannot continue to bury our citizens and move on as if these horrors are normal.
I extend my heartfelt condolences to the families of those brutally murdered, to the good people of Yelewata, and to the entire Benue State.
The weight of this grief is one that no community should bear, and as a people, we must stand in full solidarity with those who have suffered unimaginable loss.
Entire families were wiped out. Homes were burned. The community was shattered.
What is most distressing is that this incident mirrors a growing pattern of mass killings across various parts of Nigeria, which continue to go largely unpunished. We must clearly and unequivocally condemn this massacre and demand that those responsible—whether directly involved or complicit—are identified, prosecuted, and brought to justice. This must not become the fate of Yelewata.
I want to seize this medium to urge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to see in this moment a historic opportunity to take bold and corrective action.
The people of Nigeria are looking to the Presidency—not only for empathy, but for decisive steps that will transform our national security response from reactive to preventive, from opaque to accountable.
I am confident that the President, working closely with the NSA and Service Chiefs, is prepared to confront this challenge with the urgency it demands.
The public admission by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, that some personnel may have compromised military operations by leaking classified intelligence to terrorists is extremely troubling.
This disclosure, though courageous, raises questions that demand swift institutional response.
It is equally important to address the mounting public concern over videos widely shared on social media—videos that reportedly show helicopters with police markings delivering supplies to terrorist locations, and uniformed personnel in friendly engagement with known armed groups.
While these materials have yet to be officially verified, the absence of any visible investigation or clarification further erodes public trust.
I respectfully urge Mr. President to consider the following urgent actions, which I believe will resonate with the aspirations of our people and help secure a more stable and unified Nigeria:
- Establish an Independent Judicial Inquiry into the Yelewata Massacre and Other Related Attacks
Let a panel comprising eminent jurists, security experts, and civil society representatives be constituted to uncover the truth behind the attack, assess security lapses, and recommend institutional reforms. Its findings should be made public and acted upon without delay.
- Audit and Reform the Intelligence Community.
There should be a nationwide audit of our intelligence system. Our capacity to detect, intercept, and disrupt terror plots must be strengthened through both technological upgrades and grassroots intelligence collaboration. Intelligence must lead our security strategy—not lag behind atrocities.
- Cleanse and Reposition the Armed Forces and Police.
With due respect to the sacrifices of our military and police personnel, the institution must be urgently reoriented. The President should mandate the Defence and Interior ministries to review all field deployments and root out saboteurs. Ethical training, command responsibility, and anti-corruption mechanisms must be reinforced.
- Empower Communities Through Early Warning and Local Security Networks.
Communities must be treated as partners in protection. I urge the Presidency to work with the National Assembly to formalize structures for community policing, vigilante intelligence, and whistleblower protection. Rural leaders should have direct channels to regional security commands.
- Support and Rebuild the Affected Communities.
A Federal Victim Support and Restoration Fund should be created. The people of Yelewata and other affected areas need trauma care, housing reconstruction, food support, and agricultural rehabilitation. This is not just about compensation—it is about justice and reintegration.
- Rebuild Public Trust Through Transparency.
Finally, I urge the President to initiate a national framework for regular security briefings. Nigerians deserve to know what actions are being taken. This will counter disinformation and restore faith in the government’s will and capacity to protect its people.
This is a moment that demands courage, vision, and moral clarity. Nigerians are not asking for miracles. They are pleading for leadership that protects, institutions that work, and a government that listens and acts.
Let us use the Yelewata tragedy not as another forgotten headline, but as a catalyst to break the cycle of violence, restore confidence in governance, and lay the foundation for a truly secure and united Nigeria.
May the souls of the victims rest in peace, and may justice rise on their behalf.
High Chief Hon. Amb. Sobomabo Jackrich (Egberipapa)
National Leader, Simplicity Movement
