As President Bola Ahmed Tinubu arrived in Benue State Wednesday sympathize with victims of the recent Yelwata massacre, the Northern Senators Forum (NSF) has issued a firm reminder that Nigeria needs action—not just appearances—in the face of mounting rural violence.
In a press release signed by its Chairman, Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar’adua, the Forum described the brutal attack that left scores dead and thousands displaced as a “national tragedy,” adding that only bold, systemic security reform can prevent such atrocities from becoming a recurring nightmare.
“We commend the President’s visit as a mark of empathy and leadership. But condolences must now give way to concrete solutions,” the senators said.
The Forum stressed that the tragedy in Benue is not an isolated event, but part of a disturbing pattern of unchecked violence in many parts of the country—especially rural communities in the North-Central and North-West regions. It called for an urgent increase in military funding, modern equipment acquisition, and an overhaul of Nigeria’s inter-agency security architecture.
“We are calling for real-time intelligence coordination, not turf wars between agencies. We need boots on the ground with the tools to act fast and decisively,” the statement added.
The NSF urged the federal government to hold perpetrators accountable and ensure justice for victims, warning that failure to do so would further erode public trust in the state’s ability to protect its citizens.
President Tinubu’s visit comes amid widespread grief and growing anger in Benue, following the massacre in the Yelwata community of Guma LGA. While state officials declared a public holiday and mobilized support groups to welcome the President, some observers criticized the tone of the visit, saying it resembled a political rally more than a moment of national mourning.
The Northern Senators also encouraged Nigerians to remain watchful and committed to peacebuilding, stating that security must be seen as a shared civic responsibility.
“Our strength lies in unity, vigilance, and the courage to confront the sources of violence—not just its consequences,” the statement said.
With Nigeria’s security challenges escalating, the Northern Senators Forum affirmed its commitment to supporting legislative frameworks that empower law enforcement, strengthen local peace efforts, and rebuild the confidence of communities living under the shadow of fear.