Following the reported 200 deaths in a two-day rampage by suspected herders, an increasing number of Nigerians on social media are calling on the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency in Benue State.
Many people are drawing comparisons between the declaration of a state of emergency in March 2025 and the suspension of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the quiet surrounding the Benue atrocity.
The Rivers situation has been characterized by Nigerians as a harsh reaction to a political crisis that has not resulted in any fatalities.According to The PUNCH, at least 45 verified deaths have occurred in Benue State’s Guma Local Government Area; however, local leaders believe that the actual death toll may exceed 200, including security personnel and whole families who were burned alive.A user with the handle @1creeknation wrote, “My heart goes out to the people of Benue. 200 is a lot!!!!!! And the govt didn’t declare a state of emergency. Nigerian leaders hate Nigerians!” In reference to the recent political dispute in Rivers, an X user named Alphabet, with the handle @Alphabet_ABCD_, said, “Over 200 Nigerians were massacred in Benue and no state of emergency has been declared. The presidency hasn’t even addressed the incident 48 hours after it happened.”
“But a minor misunderstanding occurred between a boy and his Oga in Ph and a state of emergency was declared. Na country be this?”
Human rights activist Rinu Oduala also weighed in. Tweeting with the handle, @SavvyRinu, she said, “Zero deaths in Rivers state – State of emergency. 200+ Nigerians brutally killed in Benue and other states – No state of emergency. Tinubu, please resign. The evil you have done is enough.”
Some users said the government’s reaction showed a prioritisation of political control over human lives.
“Israel and Iran at war each other don’t even have this number of casualties yet. The President declared state of emergency in Rivers when infrastructures were targeted, but couldn’t care less about humans being killed in Benue,” Kunle, tweeting as @Soulmedika, wrote.
Another user, KHAN, with the username @khanofkhans11_, said, “The first thing I expected was a state of emergency and heavy military presence. Comb every corner of the state and fish them out. But no, it’s I have been briefed coupled with pandering to terror!sts. Gross incompetence.”
Tinubu voiced his alarm about the killings in a statement on Sunday, pleading with Governor Hyacinth Alia to bring all parties together to put an end to the bloodshed.
Benue State’s political and community leaders must behave properly and refrain from making provocative remarks that could heighten tensions and lead to more murders, Tinubu stated. The time has come for Governor Alia to take the initiative and lead the conversation and reconciliation process that would bring peace to Benue.
In response to the President’s remarks, a Facebook user named Diliba Shalom responded in pidgin, “Who is reconciled with whom? He proclaimed a state of emergency when Wike and Fubara were present. When we get to Benue, there will be a reconciliation between the herdsmen and farmers.
Nigerians are still upset that Benue State does not have a state of emergency or an obvious military crackdown.
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