ACF condemns Yelwata killings, urges security agencies to rethink strategy

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The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has strongly denounced the recent deadly incident in Yelwata community, Benue State, urging security agencies to reassess their methods for addressing the ongoing violence in the region.

In a message signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Professor T. A. Muhammad-Baba, the Forum expressed deep concern over the attack that claimed the lives of numerous individuals — including women, children, and elderly residents on Friday, June 13, 2025.

“We pray for the repose of the souls of the dead, commiserate with the injured and wish them quick recovery,” the statement said.

Describing the Yelwata killings as both “gruesome” and “senseless,” the Forum stressed that such acts of violence have persisted far too long and now pose a serious danger to stability in both the North and across Nigeria.

The ACF also pointed to the long-running conflict between farmers and herders in the area, stating that efforts to resolve the crisis have so far failed to produce lasting results.

“The gruesome incident at Yelwata is only the latest, in a cascading series of catastrophic violence, pitching farmers and herders, which dishearteningly seems to defy solutions, including decisive action by the Federal Government-controlled security agencies,” the statement read.

It further observed that the attack occurred shortly after the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) moved operations to Benue State to help address rising insecurity.

“That the Yelwata tragedy would take place within days of the COAS’s relocation clearly illustrates that the current security strategy must be reviewed,” the Forum said.

The Forum called for a fresh and strategic approach to peace enforcement — one that emphasizes preventive action through improved surveillance and intelligence collection.

It also appealed to residents of Benue and other conflict-prone regions to reject hatred and strive for harmony.

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“Let us replace fear and anger with empathy, understanding, cooperation, and reconciliation,” the statement added.

Commending Governor Hyacinth Alia for his commitment to peacebuilding and inclusivity, the ACF maintained that accountability is essential and demanded that perpetrators of the attack face justice.

Additionally, the Forum urged faith and community leaders to take a leading role in advocating for peaceful coexistence, mutual respect, and an end to inflammatory rhetoric.

“May peace, understanding, cooperation and social harmony return to Benue State and to all parts of Arewa and Nigeria,” the statement added.

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