From Joseph Uchenna, in Makurdi
The Benue State House of Assembly has requested the Governor Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia to declare three days of State mourning from Wednesday, 18th to Friday, 20th June, 2025, in honour of the innocent people killed by herdsmen.
Over 200 persons were on Saturday 14th June murdered by armed herdsmen in Yelwata, Guma Local Government area.
The call was made by Terwase Uche, member representing Guma 1 State Constituency during plenary on Tuesday who raised a motion of urgent publice concern.
He informed the House of the wanton destruction of property and killings by armed Fulani herdsmen in Yelwata, explaining that the marauding herdsmen used sophisticated weapons (including explosives) and fuel to set houses ablaze where some nuclear and extended families of between Five to Ten members have been completely wiped out.
Members who contributed, strongly condemned the recent attacks by herdsmen, describing them as ‘barbaric acts’ and a form of ‘ethnic cleansing’ .
They called on the Governor to urgently take decisive action to bring a lasting solution to the crisis. The lawmakers also, urged the people of Benue to remain vigilant and be prepared to defend themselves within the bounds of the law, in order to safeguard their lives and property.
In the same vein, the State Assembly called on the Governor to ensure full implementation of the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches (Establishment) Law, 2017, to end killings of innocent people orchestrated by the armed Fulani herdsmen in various parts of the State.
The house condemned in very strong terms the coordinated invasion, massacre, genocide and acts of terrorism against the people of Yelwata and elsewhere in the State, by the marauding herdsmen militia.
The members attributed the killings to the security agencies’ lack of proactivity and urged the Governor to enforce the law to help curb the violence in the State.
