In the wake of the reported 200 fatalities during a two-day rampage by alleged herders, a rising tide of Nigerians on social media is urging the Federal Government to impose a state of emergency in Benue State.
Numerous individuals are drawing parallels between the silence surrounding the Benue massacre and the suspension of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, alongside the declaration of a state of emergency in March 2025.
The situation in Rivers has been portrayed by Nigerians as a severe response to a political upheaval that has not led to any lives lost.
Reports indicate that at least 45 individuals were confirmed dead in the Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, with community leaders asserting that the actual toll could exceed 200, including security personnel and entire families who were burned alive.
As of Monday morning, President Bola Tinubu and the Presidency have not officially responded to the tragedy, despite the significant number of casualties, which has sparked considerable outrage on social media.
“My thoughts are with the people of Benue. 200 is an immense number!!!!!! And yet the government hasn’t declared a state of emergency. Nigerian leaders despise Nigerians!” tweeted a user known as @1creeknation.
Human rights advocate Rinu Oduala also chimed in. Using the handle @SavvyRinu, she remarked, “Zero deaths in Rivers State – state of emergency declared. Over 200 Nigerians brutally slain in Benue and other regions – no state of emergency. Tinubu, it’s time to resign. The harm you have caused is sufficient.”
Multiple users expressed that the government’s reaction highlighted a preference for political control over human lives.
“Israel and Iran are in conflict and haven’t recorded this many casualties yet. The President declared a state of emergency in Rivers when infrastructure was targeted but showed indifference toward the murder of people in Benue,” commented Kunle, tweeting as @Soulmedika.
Another user, KHAN, with the username @khanofkhans11_, stated, “I anticipated a state of emergency and a heavy military presence at once. They should search every inch of the state and apprehend them. Yet, it’s merely ‘I have been briefed’ along with appeasing terrorists! Utter incompetence.”
In a statement on Sunday, Tinubu expressed alarm over the killings and urged Governor Hyacinth Alia to gather all stakeholders to quell the violence.
Tinubu stated, “Political and community leaders in Benue State need to act judiciously and refrain from incendiary remarks that could further escalate tensions and bloodshed. Now is the time for Governor Alia to step up as a statesman and lead the dialogue and reconciliation process that will restore peace to Benue.”
