•Bulama Bukarti
A security analyst and human rights lawyer, Dr. Bulama Bukarti, has described the wave of violent attacks in Benue State as “acts of terrorism”, urging the federal government to officially designate them as such and respond with a counter-terrorism strategy.
Bukarti, who spoke on Channels Television last night, dismissed the notion that the killings were mere communal clashes between Fulani herdsmen and farmers.
He said the scale, coordination, and frequency of the attacks bear the hallmarks of terrorism.
“What we are witnessing in Benue State today goes beyond farmer-herder communal clashes. It works like terrorism, it talks like terrorism, and it kills like terrorism — and therefore, it is terrorism,” he said.
Citing casualty figures and the sophistication of the recent attacks, the expert criticised the federal government and security agencies for failing to identify the perpetrators.
“From April to June alone, reports suggest that at least 400 people have been killed in Benue. That’s not a farmer-herder crisis or a communal clash. These are coordinated raids that destroy markets, schools, and civilian infrastructure. Whole villages are being razed. This is terrorism in the real sense of the word.
“One of the shames in this crisis is that we are still unable to define with precision and certainty who the attackers are. Some say they are armed bandits or herders; others claim they speak foreign-sounding languages. Yet, the Nigerian security and intelligence forces have not pinned them down,” he said.
‘Invest In Military Intelligence’
Stressing the need for urgent intervention, the analyst insisted that Nigeria must deploy more advanced military and intelligence assets to confront the attackers.
“Until we define this crisis properly and invest enough intelligence resources to determine who the actors are and where they operate from, we cannot get a handle on the situation. Leaving the job to the police alone, as the president has suggested, is not enough,” he said.
“We should not give terrorist organisations the recognition of negotiating with the government; we have to use heavy military force on them and ensure they are decimated.”
Benue State, located in Nigeria’s North-Central zone and known for its agricultural productivity, has suffered repeated deadly attacks by suspected herdsmen in recent years.
However, the spate of killings in the past few months has intensified. In just two months, over 160 people were reportedly killed across various communities. In one of the most recent incidents, scores of people were killed and more than 3,000 displaced in an overnight raid on the Yelewata area.
Civil rights groups have disputed the government’s figures, claiming as many as 200 may have died in that single attack.
The violence has attracted widespread outrage, including from global figures such as Pope Leo XIV, who condemned the “terrible massacre” and called for immediate action.
‘Let’s Get Those Criminals’
In response to mounting pressure, President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday visited Benue State to commiserate with victims and evaluate the deteriorating security situation.
During a stakeholder meeting at the Benue State Government House, Tinubu directed the nation’s security chiefs to take decisive action.
“Police, I hope your men are on alert to listen to information. How come no arrest has been made? I expect there should be an arrest of those criminals,” the President demanded.
Addressing the Chief of Defence Staff and other top military officials, he added:
“Christopher, you have given much. I watch your comments — you can’t be tired of staying in the bush. Oloyede and the Air Marshal, we thank you, but we need to keep our ears to the ground. Let’s get those criminals. Let’s get them out.”
He also mandated intelligence agencies to enhance surveillance and data gathering. “DG NIA, DG SSS, retool your information channels, and let’s have tangible intelligence so that this will not occur again.”
The president further announced the establishment of a peace-building committee, including traditional leaders such as the Tor Tiv V and the Och’Idoma, to foster lasting stability in the region.
Also in attendance at the high-level meeting were Governor Hyacinth Alia, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, lawmakers from the National Assembly, and service chiefs. The state declared a public holiday to mark the president’s visit.
