Over 300 people have been killed in a series of brutal attacks since June 14, when armed herders stormed Yelewata in the Guma Local Government Area.

In a strongly worded statement titled “Time to Rise Beyond Lamentations as Benue Bleeds Again,” issued by the Secretary-General of Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), Khalid Abubakar Aliyu, the Sultan criticised the failure of security forces to prevent the massacre.

He stressed that such heinous killings, regardless of tribal, religious, or political backgrounds, must not be tolerated in a civilised society, emphasizing that every human life is sacred and must be treated with dignity.

The statement read in part:
“Enough is enough. Remaining silent or indifferent only strengthens those who threaten peace and unity in Nigeria. We pray to Almighty Allah for comfort for the grieving families and for lasting peace in Benue State and the nation at large.”

It continued:
“This tragedy should be a wake-up call for national reflection. We must reject divisive narratives and unite to say ‘No More’ to these atrocities. Human life is sacred – this must never be forgotten.”

JNI also extended condolences to the government and people of Benue, describing the killings as a devastating blow no sane society should ever accept as normal.