Calls are growing across Nigerian social media for the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency in Benue State, following the killing of an estimated 200 people in a two-day rampage by suspected herdsmen.
The online uproar comes amid widespread frustration at the government’s muted response to the crisis, particularly when compared to its swift intervention in Rivers State earlier this year.
In March, the government suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara and declared a state of emergency over a political standoff an incident that involved no reported deaths.
Nigerians are now contrasting that action with the silence following the Benue massacre, widely seen as a gross disparity in response.
According to a report by New Daily Prime, at least 45 people were confirmed dead in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, though local leaders claim the real death toll exceeds 200. Victims reportedly include security officers and entire families burned alive.
Despite the scale of the tragedy, as of Monday, June 16, morning, neither President Bola Tinubu nor the Presidency had officially addressed the incident prompting fierce backlash online.
“My heart goes out to the people of Benue. 200 is a lot!!!!!! And the govt didn’t declare a state of emergency. Nigerian leaders hate Nigerians!” posted @1creeknation on X former known as Twitter.
Another user on X, @Alphabet_ABCD_, wrote: “Over 200 Nigerians were massacred in Benue and no state of emergency has been declared. The presidency hasn’t even addressed the incident 48 hours after. But a minor misunderstanding occurred between a boy and his Oga in PH and a state of emergency was declared. Na country be this?”
Human rights activist Rinu Oduala (@SavvyRinu) added: “Zero deaths in Rivers State – State of emergency. 200+ Nigerians brutally killed in Benue and other states – No state of emergency. Tinubu, please resign. The evil you have done is enough.”
READ ALSO: CAN to Tinubu: Declare total war on killers in Benue
Critics accuse the government of prioritising political control over the protection of citizens’ lives.
“Israel and Iran at war don’t even have this number of casualties,” @Soulmedika tweeted. “The President declared state of emergency in Rivers when infrastructure was targeted, but couldn’t care less about humans being killed in Benue.”
Another commenter, @khanofkhans11_, lamented: “The first thing I expected was a state of emergency and heavy military presence. Comb every corner of the state and fish them out. But no—it’s ‘I have been briefed’ coupled with pandering to terrorists. Gross incompetence.”
READ ALSO: Wike, ex-PDP govs meet Tinubu in Aso Rock
On Sunday, June 15, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu finally issued a statement, expressing concern over the killings and urging Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia to lead reconciliation efforts.
“Political and community leaders in Benue State must act responsibly and avoid inflammatory utterances that could further increase tensions and killings. This is the time for Governor Alia to act as a statesman and immediately lead the process of dialogue and reconciliation that will bring peace to Benue,” Tinubu said.
READ ALSO: Bashir Ahmad slams Benue killings, calls attackers terrorists
However, the President’s remarks were met with scepticism by many. Reacting on Facebook, Diliba Shalom wrote in pidgin: “Reconciliation between who and who? When it was Wike and Fubara, he declared state of emergency… Now e reach Benue turn, na reconciliation between farmers and herders.”
Despite the President Tinubu’s statement, the lack of military intervention and the absence of an emergency declaration continue to fuel criticism and deepen public anger over what many see as the Federal Government’s double standards.
READ ALSO: Benue gov’s aide sacks top staff over protest against killings
