Barely two days after President Bola Tinubu’s visit to Benue State to address ongoing security concerns, suspected armed herdsmen have launched a fresh attack on Wannune, a community in Tarka Local Government Area.
Eyewitnesses who spoke to SaharaReporters on Friday evening described the assault as devastating. Homes and properties were reportedly set ablaze, forcing residents to flee into nearby bushes to escape the violence.
One of the residents, a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member currently serving in the community, described the scene as chaotic and terrifying.
“Everyone is running into the bushes for safety. Please let Nigerians pray for us. The herdsmen are ravaging the environment now,” the corps member said in a distress message, appealing for immediate intervention from security forces.
The attack raises fresh questions about the effectiveness of the measures announced during President Tinubu’s recent visit, which came in the aftermath of a deadly massacre in Yelewata, Guma Local Government Area, where nearly 200 people were reportedly killed.
During his visit, Tinubu met with key stakeholders and ordered the Inspector General of Police and the Chief of Defence Staff to identify and apprehend those behind the killings. However, this latest violence casts doubt on the government’s ability to curb the recurring bloodshed.
The situation has drawn national attention, with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar criticising the president’s visit as more political than purposeful.
“While it’s important for leaders to show empathy, Tinubu’s visit was overshadowed by political theatrics,” said Atiku’s media adviser, Paul Ibe. “What we need is genuine action, not optics.”
The renewed attack in Wannune underscores the persistent insecurity plaguing Benue State and highlights the urgent need for sustainable and effective strategies to protect lives and restore peace. Community leaders and citizens are once again calling on the federal government to address the root causes of the violence and provide lasting solutions.
