The Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led Federal Government is yet to release a statement addressing Nigerians, 48 hours after the gruesome killing of over 100 residents in Yelewata, Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, by suspected armed herders.
It was recalls that a deadly attack, which occurred on Friday, June 14, has left dozens of homes and entire families burnt. According to Amnesty International and other sources, the death toll has crossed 102, making it one of the deadliest single attacks in recent times.
Despite widespread condemnation by local and international rights groups, religious leaders, and survivors, the Nigerian Government is yet to release a single official statement acknowledging the tragedy.
“They were trapped and burnt alive”
Eyewitnesses and survivors of the Yelewata massacre told Daily Post that the attackers arrived in the dead of night, heavily armed and coordinated.
According to them, entire households were wiped out as gunmen set homes ablaze, forcing occupants to burn alive in their sleep.
“Those who tried to escape were chased and killed. Others couldn’t come out because the attackers had already sprayed fuel on the doors before setting the buildings ablaze,” – Comrade Joseph Apahar Joo, Media and Publicity Officer for the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) unit in Benue State.
The Benue State Police Command confirmed the attack, with spokesperson SP Catherine Anene stating that investigations were ongoing. However, the survivors insist that help came too late.
FG Speaks Up, But On Iran
However, in sharp contrast, the Federal Government has been swift in addressing an international conflict on the other continent from Nigeria.
On June 14, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement condemning Israel’s retaliatory strikes against Iran, calling for “maximum restraint” and urging the parties involved to avoid escalation.
“Nigeria expresses its grave concern and calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities and urges both parties to exercise utmost restraint in the interest of regional and global peace,” the statement read. It also urged both parties to “exercise utmost restraint in the interest of regional and global peace.”
Meanwhile, Pope Leo on Sunday offered prayers for the victims, describing the occurrence as a “terrible massacre”.
Speaking during his Sunday Angelus prayer, the pontiff said most of the victims were internally displaced persons (IDPs) who had sought shelter at a local Catholic mission in the area, making the attack even more horrifying.
“I am praying for security, justice, and peace in Nigeria,” Pope Leo said from St. Peter’s Square.
“In a special way, I am thinking of the rural Christian communities of Benue State, who have been relentless victims of violence.”
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