Violence Escalates in Nigeria: Calls for Military Intervention Rise
In the wake of increasing violence in Nigeria’s Benue state, a senior Nigerian attorney has urged President Bola Tinubu to declare a military emergency. The plea comes after a series of deadly attacks by Fulani herdsmen that have claimed at least 86 lives in largely Christian communities over the past two weeks, with 46 killed on a recent Sunday.
Sebastine Hon, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, is spearheading the call for decisive action. In a letter addressed to the president, Hon emphasized the deteriorating security situation in his home state. “The security situation in my state, however, is VERY FAST slipping out of hand,” he wrote, stressing the urgency of military intervention.
Hon’s concerns are not new. He previously reached out to top military and police officials, highlighting the shortcomings of current security measures. Despite these efforts, he noted a lack of response to ongoing violence. “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, detailing the failings of the military and paramilitary operations in the state,” Hon stated.
The violence has been particularly severe in Gwer West County, where Fulani herdsmen have killed at least 68 people over two weeks. Among the victims were 18 Christians massacred in Tse Antswam village, according to local leader Daniel Abomtse. “On Sunday, 18 Christians were killed in Tse Antswam village. Some were shot, while others were slaughtered, and houses burned,” he reported.
Victor Ormini, head of the Gwer West Local Government Council, also voiced his distress, revealing the discovery of 14 bodies in Naka, with more victims potentially unaccounted for. Ormini communicated these concerns in a message to Christian Daily International-Morning Star News.
Further attacks have been reported in other parts of the state. In Makurdi’s Agan community, an assault occurred in broad daylight without military intervention, despite the proximity of a barracks. Additionally, the Rev. Solomon Atongo narrowly survived an attack near a military checkpoint, raising questions about the effectiveness of security forces.
On May 31, Catholic priests accused the military of complicity in the violence, noting the closure of over 15 parishes due to security concerns. Hon echoed these sentiments, questioning how attackers manage to evade military checkpoints.
In response, police have deployed tactical teams to the affected areas, including Naka and Apa. However, the attacks in Apa County continue to escalate, with at least 28 Christians killed on June 1. The assault occurred shortly after evening worship services, leaving the community reeling.
Residents, such as George Daniel and Tony Adikwu, have reported mass burials and the displacement of Christians to nearby villages. Local officials, including Adams Ocheiga, have confirmed these attacks and are calling for urgent action to prevent further violence.
The situation in Nigeria is part of a broader pattern of violence against Christians, with Fulani herdsmen and extremist groups like Boko Haram targeting Christian communities. A 2020 report by the UK’s All-Party Parliamentary Group for International Freedom or Belief noted that some Fulani adhere to radical Islamist ideologies.
Nigeria remains one of the most dangerous countries for Christians, according to Open Doors’ 2025 World Watch List. The report highlights the prevalence of anti-Christian violence and the threat posed by jihadist groups. The emergence of new groups like Lakurawa, linked to al-Qaeda, further complicates the security landscape.
Nigeria is ranked seventh on the list of the 50 countries where it is most difficult to be a Christian. The ongoing violence underscores the urgent need for effective interventions to protect vulnerable communities.
Originally published by Christian Daily International–Morning Star News
This article was originally written by www.christianpost.com
