Former Vice President and 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has condemned in strong terms the massacre in Yelewata community of Guma Local Government Area, Benue State, describing it as “horrific and unacceptable.”

Atiku made the remarks in reaction to Friday night’s attack, which left over 200 people dead, scores injured, and dozens still missing.

Naijaonpoint reports that Atiku, on Sunday, called on the Federal Government to take urgent and decisive action to stop what he termed a “reign of terror” in the Middle Belt and across Nigeria.

Atiku in a post on 𝕏 (formerly known as Twitter) wrote, “I am deeply anguished and shocked by the devastating news of the fresh attacks in Benue State, where over 100 innocent lives are feared lost.

“This killings, once again targeting defenceless communities, underscores the escalating insecurity crisis facing our nation. Words cannot adequately express the sorrow felt by those left widowed, orphaned, or displaced.

“My thoughts and prayers are with the families and communities who have suffered unimaginable loss. As a nation, we must pause and reflect on the mounting human toll of this senseless violence.

“I urge the Federal Government and Benue State authorities to launch a prompt, transparent investigation into the attack. The identities of the perpetrators must be swiftly uncovered and justice served. Enhance security presence in the region, deploying necessary resources, personnel, equipment, and intelligence to guarantee the protection of vulnerable rural areas.

“Engage affected communities through dialogue, traditional leadership, and civil society to restore confidence and foster resilience.

“Accelerate compensation and support effort, including medical aid, trauma counselling, and livelihood restoration for survivors and bereaved families.

“This assault on innocent Nigerians is not just a local tragedy, it is a national emergency that demands immediate attention and decisive action.

“I call on all Nigerians regardless of tribe or religion to unite in condemning this atrocity. We must hold our leaders accountable and insist on sustainable solutions to the violent tragedies claiming lives across the country.

“May God comfort the grieving families, heal our nation, and help us reclaim peace and security for all.”