Super Eagles captain, Ahmed Musa, has issued a strong message to Nigerian political leaders in response to the latest wave of killings in Benue State.
The veteran forward, who publicly condemned the violence, called on the country’s leaders to take genuine and sustained action to halt the bloodshed rather than making sporadic appearances or empty statements.
In a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter), the former Leicester City star expressed his heartbreak over the killings and urged leaders not to wait until the tragedy affects them personally before acting.
“Another wave of heartbreaking killings in Benue. How many more lives must be lost before real action is taken?” Musa wrote.
“We can’t keep condemning violence and then moving on. Don’t wait until it happens close to home or to someone you know — speak out now.
“To our leaders: governance is not just for election season. We need consistent action, not seasonal appearances.
“We demand more. We deserve better.
Benue deserves peace. Nigeria deserves better.
“Sincere condolences to those who lost their lives in the process and to their families. May Allah grant you the fortitude to bear the loss.”
The comments come in the wake of a devastating attack in Yelwata, Guma Local Government Area of Benue, which occurred between Friday and the early hours of Saturday. Over 200 people were reportedly killed, many of whom were internally displaced persons (IDPs) taking refuge in a local Catholic mission.
In a related development, on Sunday, Catholic Pontiff Pope Leo offered prayers for the victims, describing the incident as a “terrible massacre” in Benue State.
On Monday, Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia revealed that the armed herders who carried out the attack entered Yelwata via a river. He added that the assailants initially targeted military and police checkpoints before launching the deadly assault on civilians.
