Benue Massacre Timeline: From Tragedy to Delayed Action
A Timeline of The Tragedy and Slow Response in Benue
The Benue State killings have left Nigeria shaken, with hundreds of innocent lives lost in violent clashes between herders and farmers. This article walks you through the recent events, government actions, and the ongoing struggle to bring peace to a region caught in crisis.
On June 13 and 14, 2025, the peaceful community of Yelewata in Benue State was shattered by a brutal attack that killed hundreds of people, including women and children. The scale of the violence stunned the nation and left families devastated. This tragic event was not isolated but part of a series of violent clashes that have plagued the region since May 2023.
Two days after the massacre, on June 15, Pope Leo condemned the killings during his Sunday service. He described the violence as a “terrible massacre” and offered prayers for the victims and the region. While his words brought global attention to the tragedy, the timing highlighted the slow pace at which the crisis was being addressed nationally.
It was only on June 17, four days after the attack began that President Bola Tinubu publicly responded. He called the violence “inhuman and anti-progress,” ordered security forces to end the bloodshed, and announced plans to visit Benue on June 18. Many Nigerians and observers criticized the president’s delayed reaction, feeling it lacked the urgency such a tragedy demanded.
The ongoing conflict in Benue stems from deep-rooted issues. Mostly Fulani herders, who are predominantly Muslim, compete fiercely with Christian farmers for land and water. Climate change has made matters worse by reducing available grazing land through desertification and irregular rainfall. This environmental pressure, combined with longstanding ethnic differences, has turned disputes into deadly confrontations.
Since 2018, the Nigerian government has tried to control the violence by creating a federal joint task force. In May 2025, “Forest Guards” were introduced to patrol rural areas and prevent attacks. Following the recent massacre, senior police and military commanders were deployed to Benue, and special forces are actively searching for those responsible.
Despite these steps, many Nigerians feel the government has neglected Benue. Social media is filled with protests accusing security forces of acting slowly or focusing on dispersing demonstrators/protesters rather than stopping the killers. The public demands stronger and faster action.
Benue, once known as Nigeria’s “food basket” for its fertile lands, now suffers not only from loss of life but also from economic disruption. Over 1,000 people have died in similar attacks since May 2023, and countless others have been displaced or traumatized. Humanitarian groups like Plan International Nigeria have stepped in to provide aid, but the need for peace remains urgent.
Citizens are calling for more tactical and intelligence-driven security measures to protect communities. They also stress the importance of fair land policies that respect all groups. Previous government plans, such as grazing reserves proposed under former President Muhammadu Buhari, were rejected by southern states, showing how complicated the issue is politically.
The pope’s prayers and growing international attention may push leaders to act more decisively. But without lasting solutions that address environmental, ethnic, and security challenges, the people of Benue face an uncertain future.
The tragedy in Benue is a call for urgent action. It is a reminder of how slow responses and neglect can cost lives, and that lasting peace requires understanding, fairness, and swift leadership. The world watches, hoping Nigeria will turn the page on this painful chapter soon.