Enough is enough: NAOSNP condemns Benue massacre, tasks government on policing, intelligence gathering

CITIZENS COMPASS– The National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP) on Thursday, condemned the increasing security lapses in the country leading to the unwholesome massacre of Nigerian citizens, some in their sleep, with special emphasis to the Yelwata killings, in Benue State.

The security association condemned the massacre in a statement signed by its National Public Relations Officer, Eric Elezuo,.

The statement reads:

The National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP) condemns the increasing Security lapses in the country leading to the unwholesome massacre of Nigerian citizens, some in their sleep, with special emphasis to the Yelwata killings, in Benue State.

It would be recalled that in the early hours of Friday, June 13, 2025, more than 200 persons were slaughtered by alleged heavily armed herdsmen in Yelwata, a farming community in Guma, Benue State. This mass killing is part of a disturbing wave of targeted violence that has swept across central Nigeria in recent weeks, with Plateau State on the mind.

This latest massacre reportedly follows a string of well coordinated attacks across Benue State.

The Association notes with total dismay that the Security agencies have conscientiously relapsed in their various duties, thereby prompting the preventive killings of Nigerians across the regions.

Much as we applaud the renewed efforts of various agencies in tackling the agelong insurgency that has ravaged the country overtime, we want to put it on record that the best of our security apparatuses has not been enough as lives, in hundreds, have continued to be lost, major security facilities, including army barracks overwhelmed and insurgents barking threats on a daily basis against the Nigerian populace. This situation is no longer acceptable.

A statement signed by the National Public Relations Officer of the Association, Mr. Eric Elezuo, quoted the National President, Comrade Oki Samson, as saying that the association is aware of the various governments, both the federal and states’ efforts at providing facilities and equipment to tackle insurgencies, noting however, that the results have been minimal in comparison to the humongous allocation to security in the budget year in and year out.

In the words of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu while presenting the 2015 Budget, “We have laid the foundation for stability. Now, we must build on it. With an unprecedented ₦54.99 trillion budget, we are making the largest-ever investments in critical sectors: National Security – ₦6.11 trillion: The highest defence allocation in Nigeria’s history to secure our nation from threats.” To whom much is given, much is expected, but the reverse seems to have been the case.

While acknowledging the skirmishes of successes, it is worthy of note that they are not enough as Nigerians’ lives are continually worth less than a kobo in the hands of the bandits and herdsmen, who have been alleged to be behind the attacks.

Who are these killers? Where do they live? How do they communicate? Where is the place of intelligence in policing and maintaining our territorial integrity? What is the function of the National Identity Number (NIN) without which no one can own a communication gadget within our borders? Are there saboteurs against our collective will to peaceful coexistence?

These and many more are questions our security operatives must answer if we must have a foreclosure. Human lives should no longer be sacrificed on the altar of ego and vendetta, and then punctuated with the now boring “we condemn”, and the the more boring condolence visits. Nigerians are tired of hearing this slogan from people in whose hands we entrust our lives. It’s obvious the ‘we condemn’ cliche has never brought back lost lives, or stopped other attacks. Time is now to be more proactive in policing and intelligence gathering to nip in the bud the actions of those that are gradually making the country a laughing stock in the comity of nations. The functions of our security operatives and elected representatives, whether executive or legislature, is not to run to crime scenes for condolence visits, or blur a well rehearsed ‘we condemn’ cliche. Their function is to protect lives and property.

Recall that in May, Amnesty International reported that at least 30 persons were killed when gunmen attacked travellers in Imo State, just as 20 commuter vehicles and trucks were set ablaze during a “vicious attack” along the Okigwe-Owerri road, and none has yet been arrested or held accountable. The new normal!

We praise the brevity of our soldiers at the frontlines, but until Uhuru is achieved, every effort remains a vain attempt. It must not be forgotten that many months after the Agatu massacre, no one has been brought to book, and this has continued to feather the ego and boldness of the evil doers.

We agree with Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, who said that the Yelwata attack is “one attack too many”, and therefore, call on stakeholders and interest groups; the Military, the Police, the Department of Security Services (DSS), the NSCDC, Nigerian Immigration, Nigeria Customs and Intelligence department, in fact, everyone that dorns a security outfit, to rise to the occasion, and safeguard the lives of Nigerians.

This is not the time for grandstanding. This is not the time for flowery speeches. This is not the time for eye service to impress.

This is the time for national reawakening. This is the time for action. This is the time to rebuild and bring to justice all collaborators. This is the time to heal. This is the time for the Security agencies to rise, and be counted.

This is the time for ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!