Benue, Nasarawa, and Plateau Unite to Tackle Insecurity, Herdsmen Attacks

Governments of Benue, Nasarawa, and Plateau States have vowed to strengthen collaboration through their respective emergency management agencies in a joint effort to combat insecurity, particularly the recurring herdsmen attacks that continue to plague the region.

This unified stance was announced at a joint press conference held in Makurdi, the Benue State capital.

Speaking at the event, Ben Akwash, Director-General of the Nasarawa State Emergency Management Agency, said he and his counterpart from Plateau were in Benue to express solidarity following the recent Yelewata massacre, which claimed over 200 lives.

“Given Nasarawa’s proximity to Benue—and our shared historical ties under Plateau State—we are here not only to offer our condolences but to engage in meaningful dialogue on preventing future attacks,” Akwash stated.

He called for enhanced security around Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps and prayed for divine protection over the affected communities.

Echoing these sentiments, Mr. Sunday Abdul, Executive Secretary of the Plateau State Emergency Management Agency, strongly condemned the Yelewata killings, describing them as a collective tragedy for the entire North Central region.

“The horror in Yelewata mirrors similar atrocities in Southern Kaduna, Taraba, and parts of Nasarawa. These are senseless and evil acts,” Abdul said. He encouraged the people of Benue to remain hopeful, adding, “Have faith. God is with you.” He also urged Nigerians and the international community to pray for peace across the North Central zone.

Welcoming the delegation, Dr. James Iorpuu, Executive Secretary of the Benue State Emergency Management Agency (BSEMA), described the state’s ordeal as an ongoing crisis since 2011.

“Benue has been under siege for over a decade, and the attacks are only escalating,” Iorpuu lamented. He called the Yelewata massacre “a deeply wicked act” and revealed that about 107 victims are still undergoing treatment.

He extended heartfelt gratitude to his colleagues from Nasarawa and Plateau for their support and solidarity during this difficult time.