President Bola Tinubu has drawn sharp criticism for characterizing the recent massacre in Benue State as a "reprisal attack" in his official statement condemning the violence.
The controversy stems from a statement released by presidential media aide Bayo Onanuga, in which Tinubu said he has "renewed his order in the wake of the latest round of reprisal attacks that led to the death of many people" in Yelewata, Guma Local Government Area.
The characterization has provoked outrage among Benue officials and citizens, as the statement offered no explanation for why the attacks—which claimed over 200 lives—were described as retaliatory in nature.
Strong Reactions from Benue Officials
Atu Terver, Principal Special Assistant to the Benue State Governor on Youth and Media Mobilization, expressed his dismay on social media, stating: "The press statement by the President is just making me shed tears. How can you call genocide a reprisal attack?"
Activist Ukan Kurugh similarly questioned the president's characterization, writing: "Bayo Onanuga speaking on behalf of the President on his X account called this a reprisal attack? Indeed nobody is coming for us but we must save ourselves."
Aguredam Keghter Moses, Deputy Country Director of the African Youth Union Commission in Nigeria, suggested deeper implications in the president's wording, noting that "that press statement from the President should communicate a 'CLEAR MESSAGE' already."
Context of the Massacre
The killings in Yelewata have been described by some local groups as "ethnic cleansing." The Idoma Forum has called for immediate intervention, while the Nigeria Union of Journalists has warned that the Benue killings are damaging Nigeria's international reputation.
Reports indicate that suspected herdsmen burned over 200 citizens alive during the attack, prompting the Inspector General of Police to visit Benue State.
The Nigerian government's account of the death toll appears to contradict initial claims by Governor Hyacinth Alia, though both now acknowledge that over 200 people were killed in the attacks.
This massacre occurs amid ongoing security challenges and economic hardship that have prompted public figures, including actor Yul Edochie, to call on President Tinubu to address insecurity and the high cost of living in Nigeria.
Follow BenriNews for more updates on this developing story:
