The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has called on security agencies to intensify efforts to halt renewed killings in Benue State, describing the latest attack in Yelwata community, Guma Local Government Area, as senseless and deeply disturbing.
Suspected armed herders had, barely two weeks ago, invaded the Yelwata community, killing scores of residents and injuring many others in an incident that has drawn wide condemnation.
ACF, in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Prof. Tukur Muhammad-Baba, sympathised with the victims and their families, and called for urgent review of the current security strategy to forestall further bloodshed.
“The Arewa Consultative Forum is greatly disturbed by the resurgence of yet another tragic episode of violence, which led to the gruesome murder of scores, including women, children and the elderly, in Yelwata on Friday, 13th June 2025,” the statement said.
While commending efforts of the security agencies, ACF noted that the attack came just days after the Chief of Army Staff relocated to Benue, stressing that the timing of the killings calls for a review of current tactics.
“The prevailing curtailment strategy must be re-evaluated to frontally confront the discomfiting regime of terrorism, insurgency, banditry and communal conflicts. Proactive measures, including vigilance and improved intelligence gathering, must be prioritised,” the group said.
The Forum also called for the immediate provision of relief materials to victims and displaced persons, even as it praised Governor Hyacinth Alia’s peace-building efforts.
“Governor Alia has shown commitment to addressing the root causes of the violence in Benue through inclusive dialogue. However, those found culpable must be brought to justice to end impunity,” it added.
ACF further urged citizens to reject hate narratives and embrace reconciliation, tolerance and understanding.