UN Chief Condemns Benue Massacre as Tinubu Prepares Visit: “Justice Must Be Served”

The Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres, has condemned the brutal massacre in Benue State that claimed the lives of over 200 civilians in a wave of coordinated attacks over the weekend.

In a statement released Monday, Guterres described the killings as “deeply disturbing” and urged swift action to hold the perpetrators accountable.

“The Secretary-General condemns the killing of innocent civilians, including in Nigeria, and we hope that those responsible for this violence will be found and apprehended,” said Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General.

The deadly attacks occurred in Yelewata village and nearby communities, where armed assailants stormed homes at night, killing families in their sleep and setting entire compounds ablaze. Survivors recount scenes of terror, displacement, and overwhelming grief.

Reacting to the tragedy, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu expressed sorrow and condemned the senseless violence. He called for unity among residents, urging them to embrace peace and mutual understanding to prevent a further spiral of bloodshed.

To underscore the government’s commitment to peace and justice, President Tinubu is scheduled to visit Benue State on Wednesday. During his visit, he will meet with traditional rulers, political leaders, religious figures, and community groups to explore long-term solutions to the recurring violence that has plagued the region.

The international community, human rights advocates, and civil society organizations have echoed the UN’s stance, demanding a full investigation and immediate action to reform Nigeria’s security architecture.

“This is not just a local tragedy,” said one rights activist. “It’s a national failure that must not be swept under the rug.”

The Benue massacre has reignited urgent conversations about the protection of vulnerable communities in Nigeria and the need for proactive leadership that goes beyond condolences.