Ohanaeze Condemns Benue Massacre, Calls for Urgent National Dialogue

The apex Igbo socio-cultural group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, has strongly condemned the brutal killings in Benue State and called on both federal and state authorities to act swiftly to halt the bloodshed.

In a statement released on Monday by the group’s National Publicity Secretary, Dr. Ezechi Chukwu, Ohanaeze denounced the deadly attack on Yelwata Community, which reportedly claimed over 100 lives and left numerous homes destroyed during a pre-dawn invasion by gunmen.

Describing the attack as “barbaric and heart-wrenching,” Chukwu said, “This ruthless massacre and widespread displacement are deeply inhumane and completely unacceptable. Every human life matters—regardless of tribe, faith, or social class.”

He condemned the growing trend of indiscriminate violence across the country, warning that such brutality is not only ungodly but also threatens national unity in a multi-ethnic society like Nigeria.

Chukwu also expressed dismay over the government’s continued failure to prevent such atrocities, particularly in Benue, where deadly clashes between herders and farmers have become tragically frequent.

He stressed that if urgent steps are not taken, the persistent violence will endanger the peace, stability, and development of the Nigerian state.

Ohanaeze, therefore, called for comprehensive, collaborative efforts between the Benue State Government, the Federal Government, and security agencies. The group urged that a national dialogue be convened immediately to address the root causes of the killings and implement lasting peace strategies.