Nigeria is under growing pressure to urgently address spiking violence in its middle-belt region, particularly in Benue State, where security failures have repeatedly left communities vulnerable, Human Rights Watch (HRW) reports.
On the night of June 14, armed assailants—believed to be members of herder communities—launched a devastating attack on Yelewata village, resulting in at least 59 confirmed deaths according to the governor, although some media outlets report over 100 casualties. Survivors recount horrific scenes of homes torched, markets razed, and innocent civilians shot as they slept.
HRW researcher Anietie Ewang described the tragedy as “the latest reminder of how badly the government has failed to protect communities from violence and secure accountability.” Investigations revealed sophisticated weaponry and a prolonged assault of over two hours, yet the community received little to no immediate security support. Despite official claims of a rapid response, no arrests have been made—mirroring similar inaction following attacks in April and May that claimed dozens of lives.
A Pattern of Impunity and Security Breakdown
This massacre is part of a disturbing pattern across Benue and Plateau states. In April, 56 people were killed during Easter celebrations; in May, another 42 lives were lost in coordinated attacks across several local government areas. Researchers argue that these recurring assaults stem from a toxic combination of resource competition, ethnic and religious tensions, unchecked trafficking of arms, and mounting climate stress.
HRW warns that the lack of timely, effective state intervention and prosecutorial follow-through has fostered a climate of total impunity. Reverend Father Yugh of Makurdi stated that security forces routinely fail to restore order, allowing militants to terrorize rural communities virtually unchecked.
Calls for Urgent Government Action
President Bola Tinubu personally visited Benue earlier this week and condemned the violence as “senseless bloodletting,” pledging decisive action—but his visit occurred days after the atrocity, and critics noted that no suspects have been taken into custody.
Tinubu has ordered a crackdown on the perpetrators, yet observers remain doubtful. Analysts assert that the crisis reflects systemic governance weaknesses—such as understaffed security agencies, poor intelligence systems, and lack of political will.
HRW recommends a multi-pronged approach: strengthen community-based intelligence initiatives, equip rapid response units, ensure arrests and transparent prosecutions, and enforce laws limiting open grazing in conflict-prone areas.
Violations of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights
The failure of Nigerian authorities to protect citizens in Benue State implicates multiple violations under the African Charter:
- Right to Life (Article 4): The state has a fundamental duty to ensure the safety of its citizens. The killing of over 100 individuals without adequate state intervention constitutes a clear failure to protect the right to life.
- Right to Security of the Person (Article 6): The absence of rapid response or preventive measures violates the right to security, especially in regions known for repeated violence.
- Right to Property (Article 14): The destruction of homes, markets, and farmland deprives people of their livelihoods and violates their right to own and enjoy property.
- Duty of the State (Article 1): Nigeria has failed to take adequate legislative or practical measures to uphold and realize the rights protected by the Charter.
The cumulative failure to prevent attacks, provide security, and prosecute perpetrators undermines the rule of law and represents a breach of Nigeria’s binding obligations under the African Charter.
