Nigerian music legend, Innocent Idibia, popularly known as 2Baba, has voiced his anguish over the renewed wave of killings in Benue State, describing the situation as a “national emergency.”
In an emotional video posted on Instagram Sunday, the Benue-born singer expressed grief and frustration over the rising death toll in his home state.
“What is going on in my state has become a national emergency,” he said. “I can’t wrap my head around it. It’s going to be business as usual again, and that’s sad.”
Fresh Attacks Leave Over 100 Dead
2Baba’s outcry comes after deadly attacks in Guma and Makurdi LGAs. Suspected herdsmen reportedly killed more than 100 people in Yelewata and Daudu, while 25 others were slain in Mtswenem and Akondotyough Bawa.
The singer, 49, described the situation as “ridiculous” and urged all stakeholders to act urgently.
“This has to stop. It has to involve everyone—every stakeholder in Nigeria, especially in Benue. This is not child’s play,” he stressed.
Celebrities, Influencers Join the Call for Action
Following 2Baba’s video, several Nigerian celebrities lent their voices. Rapper Olamide reposted the clip on X, writing, “Prayers up for Benue.”
Comedian AY (Ayo Makun) shared on Instagram: “We can’t turn a blind eye to this suffering. It’s time to stand together.”
Pastor Femi Lazarus called for urgent federal intervention, pointing out a trail of violence from “Benue to Plateau to Kaduna, Borno.”
Media personality Bobrisky also weighed in, blasting lawmakers for their silence:
“Senators didn’t call an emergency meeting over Benue killings, but they did for Bobrisky. Shame!”
Massacre Sparks Protests in Makurdi
On Sunday, angry youths stormed the Wurukum roundabout in Makurdi to protest the killings. They decried what they called silence from President Bola Tinubu and Governor Hyacinth Alia.
Social media influencer Martin Otse, aka VeryDarkMan (VDM), joined the demonstrators to demand justice and immediate government intervention.
Benue Under Siege: Shocking Death Toll Grows
Recent reports indicate that over 59 people, including security personnel, were killed in a Friday night attack on Yelewata.
In April, about 60 residents died in Ukum and Logo LGAs, while May saw 42 people killed in Gwer West.
Pope Leo XIV condemned the killings as a “terrible massacre” and called for justice.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party leader Peter Obi also criticized the Federal Government’s response to the crisis.
Governor Alia: “The Federal Government Is Supporting Us”
Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia, in an interview on Channels TV’s The Morning Brief, said the Tinubu administration had not abandoned the state.
“Seventeen out of 23 LGAs were under siege. Now we’ve reduced that number to three, thanks to federal support,” he said.
Alia also blamed the state’s porous borders and alleged internal collaborators for the violence.
“The attackers aren’t necessarily Nigerians. Some locals may be aiding them,” he alleged.
From Grazing Crisis to Land Occupation
The governor said the nature of the attacks had changed. “Before, it was about herders and farmers. Now they attack without cattle, kill people, and others move in to occupy the land.”
He also revealed intelligence suggesting some terrorists may be using Benue as a passage route from Nasarawa.
Tinubu to Visit Benue on Wednesday
President Tinubu has announced plans to visit Benue on Wednesday to sympathize with residents. He made the announcement on Monday during the inauguration of the Greater Abuja Water Supply Project.
