Military Emergency Sought as Herdsmen Kill 86 Christians in Benue State, Nigeria
A leading Nigerian lawyer has urged President Bola Tinubu to declare a military state of emergency in Benue state after Fulani herdsmen reportedly killed at least 86 people—most of them Christians—over a two-week period, including 46 on Sunday, June 1.
Sebastine Hon, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN)—a top honor from the Nigerian Bar Association—wrote to the president on Monday, June 2, calling for immediate intervention to stop the escalating violence in his home state.
“The security situation in my state is deteriorating rapidly,” Hon wrote. “Given the recent tragic events in Benue, it is absolutely critical for Mr. President to declare a military emergency.”
He noted that in late May, he had already contacted top military and police officials about the worsening situation but received no response.
“I personally wrote a joint letter to the Chief of Defense Staff, the Inspector-General of Police, and the Director-General of State Security Services, outlining the security failures,” Hon stated. “So far, nothing has been done, as the continued killings show.”
In Gwer West County—a predominantly Christian area—at least 68 people were killed within two weeks, including 18 on June 1 in Tse Antswam, near Naka town, according to local sources. Community leader Daniel Abomtse confirmed that the attackers were Fulani herdsmen, saying, “Some victims were shot, others were slaughtered, and homes were set ablaze.”
Victor Ormini, chairman of the Gwer West Local Government Council, also reported a surge in killings. “Over 40 Christians were killed last week, and now more are being murdered,” he said, noting that 14 bodies had been recovered in Naka, though many victims remain missing. Residents said the attacks began on May 27.
In his letter, Hon described the failure of security forces to intervene during attacks, including one on May 29 in the Agan community within Makurdi, the state capital—despite the proximity of a military barracks.
On June 1, both Naka and Edikwu-Ankpali in Apa Local Government Area were targeted. On May 24, the Rev. Solomon Atongo was attacked just 500 meters from a military checkpoint but received no assistance until the assailants had fled.
Hon also referenced accusations made by Catholic priests on May 31, alleging military complicity. The priests said over 15 parishes have shut down due to the violence, and the church has lost clergy and members.
“The attackers often arrive in large numbers on motorcycles,” Hon wrote. “There are many military checkpoints along these roads, yet the killers move freely to and from their new ‘bases’—how is this possible?”
Benue state police stated that tactical teams have been sent to the Naka and Apa areas in response.
In Apa County, unprecedented attacks on June 1 killed at least 28 Christians, according to residents. George Daniel, from Edikwu Ankpali, reported a mass burial for the victims and mentioned that several people were abducted. Another resident, Tony Adikwu, noted that most survivors have fled to Odugbo village for safety.
John Ikwulono, a former local government official, and current chairman Adams Ocheiga confirmed the attacks. “We’ve informed the police, military, and state government,” Ocheiga said. “We hope they will act swiftly to prevent further tragedy.”
Though not all Fulani are extremists, a 2020 report from the UK’s All-Party Parliamentary Group for International Freedom of Religion or Belief noted that some Fulani militants operate with a strategy similar to Boko Haram and ISWAP, targeting Christian communities.
Many Nigerian Christian leaders believe the attacks are aimed at forcibly seizing land and imposing Islam, particularly as desertification pushes herders southward.
Nigeria continues to be one of the most dangerous countries for Christians, according to the 2025 World Watch List by Open Doors. Of the 4,476 Christians killed globally for their faith, 3,100—or 69%—were in Nigeria.
The report also described how extremist Fulani militias in the North-Central region have been responsible for widespread attacks on Christian farming villages. Meanwhile, jihadist groups like Boko Haram, ISWAP, and the newly emerged Lakurawa—a militant faction affiliated with Al-Qaeda—have expanded operations in other regions, using advanced weaponry and extremist tactics.
Nigeria ranked 7th on the 2025 list of the 50 most dangerous countries for Christians.