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Benue State, located in Nigeria’s Middle Belt, has long been a flashpoint for violent clashes between local farmers and Fulani herders. In recent weeks, reports of renewed threats by Fulani groups to strike Benue again have heightened fears among residents, reigniting debates about ethnic tensions, land disputes, and the government’s failure to address the root causes of this persistent conflict. The situation, marked by a devastating attack in Yelewata, Guma Local Government Area, where over 200 people were reportedly killed, has left communities in despair and raised urgent questions about security, governance, and the future of Nigeria’s Middle Belt. This blog post delves into the complexities of the crisis, the recent threats, and the broader implications for Benue and Nigeria as a whole.
The Yelewata Massacre: A Grim Reminder of Ongoing Violence
On June 14, 2025, Yelewata, a predominantly Christian farming village in Guma Local Government Area, was attacked by suspected Fulani herders. The assailants, armed with sophisticated weapons, killed between 100 and 200 residents, set homes ablaze, and left the community in ruins. Survivors, now displaced and seeking refuge in makeshift camps like the International Market camp in Makurdi, recount harrowing tales of loss and destruction. One survivor, a 45-year-old farmer, shared with Punch Nigeria how he lost his wife and three children in the attack, describing how Fulani attackers fired gunshots indiscriminately, leaving Yelewata a ghost town.
This massacre, described as one of the worst since the Agatu killings nearly a decade ago, underscores the brutality of the violence plaguing Benue. The attack was not an isolated incident but part of a broader pattern of violence attributed to Fulani herders, who are often accused of pursuing an agenda of land grabbing and ethnic domination. According to the Middle Belt Forum, security agencies were aware of the impending attack as early as May 27, 2025, yet failed to act, raising questions about complicity or negligence.
Fulani Threats: A Cycle of Fear and Retaliation
The recent threats of further attacks have added fuel to an already volatile situation. Social media posts on X have amplified these concerns, with users claiming that Fulani groups have warned of more strikes unless their demands—such as land for Ruga settlements—are met. One post referenced a threat directed at activist Verydarkman, alleging that the Yelewata attack was “just the beginning” in retaliation for Benue communities chasing Fulani herders and killing their cattle. While these claims on X are unverified and should be treated with caution, they reflect the deep-seated fear and mistrust among Benue residents.
The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), a prominent Fulani organization, has condemned the Yelewata attack but also highlighted the victimization of Fulani herders. MACBAN’s leader, Baba Othman Ngelzarma, claimed that 57 herders were killed and over 4,348 cattle stolen in Benue between January and June 2025. This narrative of Fulani victimhood is echoed by some Fulani youths, like Yusuf Adamu, who allege systematic injustice against their communities by local farmers. However, Benue’s government and residents have dismissed these claims, arguing that the scale of violence against Fulani herders is exaggerated and does not justify the massacres of farming communities.
The Roots of the Conflict: Land, Religion, and Politics
The conflict in Benue is often framed as a clash between Fulani herders and local farmers over land and resources. Benue’s fertile lands are ideal for both farming and grazing, leading to competition that has turned deadly. Herders, predominantly Muslim Fulani, move their cattle across regions, often encroaching on farmlands, which local Christian farmers say destroys crops and pollutes water sources. Over the years, this competition has taken on ethnic and religious dimensions, with some accusing Fulani herders of pursuing a “jihadist” agenda to displace Christian communities.
However, the conflict is not merely about resources. Political and historical factors play a significant role. Critics, including the Alliance of Yoruba Democratic Movement (AYDM), argue that a section of Fulani leadership is driven by an “age-long agenda of political domination and land grabbing.” This perspective is reinforced by allegations that past administrations, particularly under former President Muhammadu Buhari, a Fulani, provided tacit support to herders by appointing Fulani individuals to key security positions.
The politicization of the crisis is evident in the accusations traded between current and former Benue governors. Former Governor Samuel Ortom has criticized Governor Hyacinth Alia for failing to address the insecurity and for issuing conflicting narratives, such as blaming locals for rustling Fulani cattle or accusing “Abuja politicians” and clergymen of sponsoring the violence. Ortom has urged Alia to implement President Bola Tinubu’s security roadmap, which was outlined during Tinubu’s visit to Benue on June 18, 2025, to address the crisis.
Government Response: Action or Inaction?
President Tinubu’s visit to Benue, where he met with stakeholders and visited victims at Moses Adasu University Teaching Hospital, was a rare acknowledgment of the crisis by the federal government. Tinubu issued a directive to security agencies to curb the violence and urged politicians to tolerate critics, a move commended by human rights activist Deji Adeyanju. However, many residents and analysts remain skeptical, pointing to the failure of security agencies to act on prior intelligence about the Yelewata attack.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Olufemi Oluyede, has vowed to apprehend the perpetrators, but previous promises have yielded little result. A Benue youth leader, Magagi Mike Alidu, criticized the military’s brief presence in the state, noting that the Chief of Army Staff’s visit was followed by the Yelewata massacre, suggesting a lack of sustained action. Additionally, traditional rulers issued a 14-day ultimatum for Fulani herders to vacate Benue, yet armed herders reportedly continue to graze openly, defying the order.
The Humanitarian Crisis: Displacement and Despair
The violence has created a humanitarian catastrophe in Benue. Over 500,182 internally displaced persons (IDPs) are scattered across 26 camps and 85 host communities, constituting 38% of the Middle Belt’s IDP population. Survivors in camps like the International Market in Makurdi face dire conditions, with reports of state officials diverting relief materials meant for them. The psychological toll is immense, with communities living in constant fear of further attacks. A Benue lady on X lamented, “We can’t return to our village. The Fulani have taken over every community in Benue State and are now threatening to capture the towns.”
A Way Forward: Solutions or Stalemate?
Addressing the Benue crisis requires confronting its multifaceted causes—land disputes, ethnic tensions, political failures, and security lapses. Some proposed solutions include:
- Strengthening Security: The federal government must deploy sustained military and police presence in vulnerable areas and act on intelligence to prevent attacks. Community policing and local vigilante groups, as suggested by former Governor Ortom, could complement these efforts if properly regulated.
- Land Reform and Ruga Settlements: While controversial, designated grazing zones could reduce herder-farmer clashes, provided they are implemented transparently and with community consent. The rejection of Ruga by Benue communities stems from fears of permanent Fulani settlement, which must be addressed through dialogue.
- Addressing Ethnic Profiling: Both MACBAN and Benue leaders have called for an end to ethnic stereotyping. Fostering dialogue between Fulani and local communities, mediated by neutral parties, could reduce mistrust.
- Empowering Local Governments: Ortom’s call for local government chairmen to control their resources could enable grassroots security and development initiatives, addressing the root causes of vulnerability.
- International Support: Given allegations of foreign Fulani involvement, international organizations like the UN could provide technical assistance in conflict resolution and humanitarian aid.
A Call for Unity and Action
The renewed threats by Fulani groups to strike Benue again are a stark reminder of the fragility of peace in Nigeria’s Middle Belt. The Yelewata massacre and the ongoing displacement of thousands highlight the urgent need for decisive action. While the federal and state governments have taken steps, such as Tinubu’s visit and military assurances, these efforts have so far failed to stem the tide of violence. The politicization of the crisis, coupled with ethnic and religious divides, complicates the path to peace.
Benue’s people deserve more than condolences—they need protection, justice, and a future free from fear. As one survivor poignantly stated, “What we need is peace—nothing but peace.” The question remains: will Nigeria’s leaders rise to the challenge, or will Benue continue to bleed under the weight of unaddressed grievances and unfulfilled promises?
