Benue Massacre: Atiku mourns over 100 killed, demands National Emergency Response

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has decried the latest wave of violence in Benue State, where over 100 people are feared dead following a series of brutal attacks on rural communities.

In a heartfelt message shared via his verified X (formerly Twitter) handle on Friday, Atiku described the killings as both devastating and deeply symptomatic of Nigeria’s worsening security crisis.

“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,” he wrote.

“These killings, once again targeting defenceless communities, underscore the escalating insecurity crisis facing our nation.”

The attack, which has left scores of families in mourning, prompted Atiku to demand swift action from both federal and state authorities.

He called on the Nigerian government to treat the massacre as a national emergency.

“My thoughts and prayers are with the families and communities who have suffered unimaginable loss,” Atiku said.

“As a nation, we must pause and reflect on the mounting human toll of this senseless violence.”

He outlined a series of urgent steps that he believes should be taken in response to the tragedy. These include launching a “prompt, transparent investigation into the attack,” uncovering the identities of the perpetrators, and ensuring that justice is served.

“Enhance security presence in the region,” he urged, “deploying necessary resources, personnel, equipment, and intelligence to guarantee the protection of vulnerable rural areas.”

Atiku also called for engagement with local communities to rebuild trust and social cohesion, noting the role traditional leaders and civil society groups could play in the healing process.

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

The former Vice President emphasised the need for urgent humanitarian intervention, urging both the federal and Benue State governments to accelerate support for survivors.

“There must be compensation and support efforts, including medical aid, trauma counselling, and livelihood restoration for survivors and bereaved families,” he said.

Calling on all Nigerians to rise above ethnic and religious divides, Atiku stated: “This assault on innocent Nigerians is not just a local tragedy, it is a national emergency that demands immediate attention and decisive action.”

He concluded with a solemn appeal: “May God comfort the grieving families, heal our nation, and help us reclaim peace and security for all.”