Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has directed security Forces to track down those responsible for a brutal week-end attack that left at least 150 people dead in Yelewata, Benue State.
Visiting the scene of the tragedy on Wednesday, June 18, Tinubu pledged to restore peace, rebuild affected communities, and ensure justice for victims. Survivors described how gunmen stormed the village overnight, killing sleeping residents and burning homes, with many victims having previously fled violence elsewhere in the state.
Authorities suspect the attack was carried out by herdsmen, part of a long-running conflict between farming and pastoralist communities in Nigeria’s northcentral region. Tinubu’s response has drawn criticism from opposition figures and civil society groups, who say his administration reacted too slowly to one of the deadliest attacks in recent memory. With security concerns mounting nationwide, the president faces growing pressure to deliver decisive and timely action to stem further bloodshed.