Governor Alia Confirms Death of 59 in Yelewata Attack, Pope and Protesters Demand Justice

Benue State has been thrown into mourning following a brutal attack in the border community of Yelewata, where 59 people were confirmed killed by suspected herdsmen. Governor Hyacinth Alia made the disclosure on Sunday during a press briefing at the Government House in Makurdi. The tragic event has sparked outrage locally and internationally, drawing condemnation from religious leaders and triggering mass protests in the state capital.

The governor revealed that the death toll was confirmed through a joint headcount conducted by security operatives and families of the victims. Among the dead were members of the Nigerian military and civil defence corps, who lost their lives while trying to repel the attackers and protect residents of the besieged community.

Yelewata Killings Spark Anguish Across Nigeria

According to Governor Alia, the armed assailants crossed into Benue State from neighboring Nasarawa State, launching what he described as a “coordinated and violent assault” on the peaceful community. He acknowledged the support of Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule, who reportedly provided intelligence on the impending threat, although the information came too late to prevent the massacre.

“In this moment of grief, we are working closely with our counterparts and national security agencies to identify those responsible and prevent further violence,” Alia said. He also confirmed that one woman was killed on the Nasarawa side of the border during the attack, indicating the regional spread and indiscriminate nature of the violence.

The massacre occurred as the Benue State government was receiving a report from a panel of inquiry investigating militia activities in the Sankera axis, a region previously identified as a flashpoint for armed conflicts and communal clashes. Governor Alia promised that individuals implicated in the report would be thoroughly investigated, stating that his administration remains committed to restoring peace and security in every part of Benue.

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Pope Leo XIV Condemns ‘Terrible Massacre’

Internationally, the killing has drawn strong condemnation from Pope Leo XIV, who described it as a “terrible massacre” during his address before the Sunday Angelus prayer at the Vatican.

The pontiff mourned the loss of innocent lives, especially among displaced Christian civilians, and denounced the violence as an act of “extreme cruelty.” He called for urgent international and domestic intervention to curb the recurring bloodshed across Nigeria’s Middle Belt.

“We pray especially for the rural Christian communities of Benue, who have been relentless victims of violence,” Pope Leo said, urging both justice and peace to prevail. His statement underscored the deepening global concern about sectarian and ethnically driven violence in Nigeria.

Makurdi Protests Amplify Public Outcry

Back home, the emotional weight of the tragedy quickly translated into public protest. On Sunday morning, youths in Makurdi—Benue’s capital—took to the streets to voice their anger and demand immediate governmental response. The protest began at Wurukum Food Basket Roundabout, a symbolic location that has become a common site for civic demonstrations in the state.

Chanting solidarity songs and wielding placards with messages like “We Deserve Protection,” “Stop the Killings,” and “Justice for Yelewata,” the demonstrators blocked roads and demanded accountability from both state and federal authorities.

They were later joined by popular and controversial social media figure Martin Otse, known online as VeryDarkMan. Otse has gained national attention for speaking out against injustice and government inaction. His presence added further media attention to the demonstration and highlighted the growing role of social influencers in Nigeria’s civic discourse.

In his impromptu address to protesters, VeryDarkMan criticized the slow pace of security intervention and called for the National Assembly and Presidency to declare a state of emergency on rural security. “How many more must die before this country wakes up?” he questioned.

A Nation in Search of Peace

The massacre in Yelewata is one of the deadliest attacks in Benue in recent years, reigniting conversations about land conflicts, herder-farmer clashes, and ethnic violence in Nigeria’s north-central region. Despite past peace efforts, attacks by armed groups continue to threaten the lives and livelihoods of thousands.

Governor Alia, while assuring citizens of the state’s commitment to peace, called for national collaboration and support. “Benue cannot do it alone. We need joint action, strong leadership, and above all, justice for the victims,” he said.

As security operatives intensify patrols in the affected area and investigations commence, Nigerians at home and abroad are watching closely—hoping for a future where such tragedies become a thing of the past.