The United Nations has condemned the recent massacre of hundreds of civilians in Yelewata, Benue State, describing the attack as a grave violation of human rights and calling for justice for the victims.

 

Speaking on behalf of UN Secretary-General António Guterres on Tuesday, Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq said the global body is closely monitoring the situation in Benue and is deeply concerned by the escalating violence in the region.

 

“We’re monitoring the situation,” Haq said, adding that the Secretary-General “condemns the killing of innocent civilians, including in Nigeria, and we hope that those responsible for this violence will be found and apprehended.”

 

The United Nations called on Nigerian authorities and relevant security agencies to ensure that those responsible for the killings are swiftly brought to justice.

 

The reaction from the UN follows reports that over 200 people were brutally murdered in coordinated attacks allegedly carried out by suspected herdsmen in Guma Local Government Area. The violence has sparked national outrage and international concern.

 

Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, in the aftermath of the tragedy, alleged that some Abuja-based politicians were behind the attacks, accusing them of exploiting back-channel networks to destabilize the state.

 

Governor Alia further claimed that the attackers gained access to the affected communities via a river that borders neighbouring Nasarawa State.

 

The killings have intensified calls for urgent national and international action to curb the growing insecurity in Nigeria’s Middle Belt and protect vulnerable communities from further attacks.