The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has strongly condemned the gruesome killing of over 200 people in Yelewata, a community in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State.
The tragic incident, which occurred over the weekend and largely affected women and children, has been described by the SGF as “barbaric,” “inhumane,” and “completely unacceptable.”
In a statement released by his spokesperson, Terrence Kuanum, Senator Akume expressed deep sorrow over the mass killing and emphasized that such acts of mindless violence must no longer be tolerated in any part of Nigeria.
He said the bloodshed represents a growing threat to national peace and stability and urged immediate and decisive action by all relevant authorities.
“The SGF, who remains in a deep state of mourning over the incident, denounces it as mindless barbarism,” the statement read. “It is totally unacceptable that over 200 innocent persons could have their lives brutally cut short in such a cruel and senseless manner.”
As a former Governor of Benue State, who led the state from 1999 to 2007, Akume acknowledged the complexity of Nigeria’s security challenges but maintained that the country can no longer afford to treat such tragedies as routine. He reiterated the need for a nationwide collaborative approach to stem the tide of insecurity and protect innocent lives.
He extended his heartfelt condolences to the families who lost loved ones and offered prayers for the speedy recovery of those injured in the attack. Akume also called on the people of Benue to remain strong and not allow the act of terror to dampen their resolve.
“I urge the good people of Benue State not to lose hope,” he said. “We must remain united and cooperate with security agencies as they work to defeat the forces of terrorism and banditry that are threatening our communities.”
Akume praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his swift response to the crisis, particularly the recent directive to the nation’s service chiefs to take urgent and decisive steps to restore peace in Benue State.
He expressed confidence that the action, carried out under the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Tinubu administration, would produce tangible results in the fight against insecurity.
He called on all stakeholders—political leaders, traditional rulers, religious figures, and community influencers—to close ranks and take a firm stand against violence, emphasizing that only a united front can bring lasting peace to Benue and other conflict-prone regions.
“This is a defining moment,” Akume declared. “It is time for all of us—leaders and citizens alike—to rise above our differences and confront, with one voice, those who are determined to destroy our communities and undermine our shared humanity.”