The Unified Nigeria Youth Forum (UNYF) has called for urgent and decisive government action in response to the recent attacks in Yelewata village, Guma local government area of Benue State, where hundreds of lives were reportedly lost.
The group, through its president, Comrade Toriah Olajide Filani, also called for a complete overhaul of the nation’s security architecture, describing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s condolence visit to the state as hollow and politically motivated.
The group criticised what it described as “bureaucratic routines” and “cosmetic responses” to a situation likened to civil war. It argued that the president’s visit did not adequately reflect the scale of the humanitarian crisis or offer concrete security or relief commitments.
According to Filani, over 360 people have allegedly been killed and more than 6,500 displaced in Benue State within the last month. He said the scale of violence calls for a coordinated military response and political will, rather than ceremonial gestures. “Benue does not need presidential optics, it needs decisive leadership and swift security intervention,” he said.
UNYF also demanded the immediate resignation or dismissal of all service chiefs, the national security adviser, and the secretary to the government of the federation, citing a failure of leadership and a breach of constitutional responsibilities. The forum insisted that, in line with global democratic norms, public officials should take responsibility for such mass casualties by stepping down.
Citing Chapter Two, Sections 2 and 3 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the forum argued that the continued loss of lives under the current administration represents a breach of the government’s primary duty to ensure the security and welfare of citizens. It also called on President Tinubu to consider resignation, asserting that sovereignty lies with the people.
The group cautioned against reconciliation efforts that do not deliver justice, warning that such an approach would embolden perpetrators and deepen the trauma of affected communities. It emphasised that the killings should be treated as a national emergency, not a political issue.
UNYF called for the arrest and prosecution of all those responsible under the Criminal and Penal Codes and urged the federal government to provide compensation and psychological support to victims’ families, in accordance with Section 35 of the Constitution and international human rights obligations.
Filani also advocated for a national review of the security sector, focusing on community-based strategies, justice reforms, and the protection of human rights.
The Benue tragedy has since stirred national outrage, with civil society groups and concerned citizens uniting in their calls for justice and accountability. Advocacy groups warn that continued inaction will not only dishonour the victims but also weaken public trust in the government’s capacity to safeguard lives and property.
