Yelewata Massacre: A National Wake-Up Call for Leadership Justice and Security Reform
By High Chief Hon. Amb. Sobomabo Jackrich (Egberipapa)National Leader, Simplicity Movement The recent massacre of over 200 Nigerians in Yelewata, Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, is not just a tragedy—it is a national emergency that should shake the conscience of every Nigerian. What transpired was not merely a security lapse, but a colossal failure of foresight, coordination, and justice. We must not allow this horror to pass like so many others—forgotten and unpunished. I extend my deepest condolences to the grieving families, the people of Yelewata, and the entire Benue State. No community should ever have to endure such carnage. What we have witnessed is the erasure of entire families, the burning of homes, and the shattering of livelihoods—yet again. This massacre is part of a pattern of escalating mass violence in Nigeria that continues to go largely unpunished. It is long past time for us to rise as a people and say: Enough is enough. A Call to the President I urge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to treat this moment as a historic opportunity for bold and corrective action. Nigerians are not only asking for empathy—they are demanding decisive leadership that transforms our security architecture from reactive to proactive, from opaque to accountable. The recent admission by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, that some personnel have allegedly leaked classified intelligence to terrorists is deeply troubling. While courageous, this confession demands an immediate institutional response—not silence. Even more alarming are viral videos circulating on social media showing helicopters with police markings allegedly delivering supplies to terrorists and uniformed men fraternizing with armed groups. While these clips await official verification, the continued lack of transparency or investigation only deepens public distrust. Six Urgent Recommendations for the President 1. Establish an Independent Judicial Inquiry into the Yelewata MassacreLet a credible, transparent panel of jurists, security experts, and civil society members investigate the Yelewata killings and other attacks. The findings must be made public and followed by swift action. 2. Audit and Reform the Intelligence CommunityWe need a comprehensive audit of our intelligence system. Preventing terror must start with accurate, actionable intelligence—driven by technology and local collaboration. 3. Cleanse and Reposition the Armed Forces and PoliceWhile we honor the sacrifices of our uniformed forces, saboteurs must be removed. Ethical training, command accountability, and anti-corruption enforcement are urgent. 4. Empower Communities with Early Warning and Local Security NetworksCommunity leaders should be empowered with direct communication lines to security commands. Community policing, local vigilante support, and whistleblower protections should be formalized. 5. Establish a Federal Victim Support and Restoration FundYelewata and similar communities must receive trauma care, housing, agricultural support, and sustainable rebuilding. This is not a handout—it is justice and reintegration. 6. Rebuild Public Trust Through TransparencyInitiate regular national security briefings to inform the public. Nigerians need clarity—not rumors. Trust is built through truth, and transparency is the beginning of healing.
