Benue: How Could Anyone Think It Appropriate To Stage A Spectacle While Hundreds Of Citizens Lie Dead – NNPP Blasts Tinubu, Alia

The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has described the response of the Federal Government to the massacre in Yelewata, Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, where over 200 residents were reportedly killed by suspected Fulani herdsmen as lukewarm, insensitive and lacking basic human empathy.

The party, in a statement on Thursday by its National Publicity Secretary, Ladipo Johnson, expressed deep frustration with what it described as the President’s pattern of rhetorical posturing rather than tangible action.

They lamented that the recurring violence in Benue has turned the state into “a killing field,” with no clear federal strategy to address the crisis.

NNPP berated Governor Hyacinth Alia for organising a fanfare for the President while hundreds of citizens lay dead.

Johnson said, “Over 200 Slaughtered Without Provocation.

“This is a horrifying act of mass murder. Over 200 innocent Nigerians were slaughtered and property destroyed without provocation.

“What’s worse, it took the Federal Government days to meaningfully intervene.” 

Speaking further, he criticised the President’s remarks during a recent stakeholders’ meeting in Makurdi, where Tinubu reportedly asked, “How come no arrest has been made?”

“It’s no longer enough to call for peace meetings in Abuja. The question he asked is one Nigerians have posed repeatedly. Where is the justice? Where is the accountability?” Johnson stated.

The NNPP was especially incensed by the President’s suggestion, interpreted by many as urging victims to negotiate with their attackers.

“How do you ask grieving communities to sit down and negotiate with killers?

“Until the government recognises these atrocities for what they truly are—acts of terrorism—the carnage will continue unchecked.

“Further fueling outrage was the party’s response to a leaked directive allegedly from a presidential aide, instructing the Benue State Governor to organise a “colourful procession” to welcome President Tinubu to Makurdi, just days after the massacre.

“Such fanfare amid tragedy shows a stunning lack of empathy. How could anyone think it appropriate to stage a spectacle while hundreds of citizens lie dead and communities are grieving?” he added.