Benue Killings: Iyanya Pays Tribute To Victims

Nigerian singer Iyanya has paid tribute to victims of the recent spate of deadly attacks in Benue State, where scores have been killed and several others wounded. 

“I want to dedicate this song to all the people of Benue State. It is a trying time for the whole country because we all share your pain,” Iyanya wrote in a message on Instagram, accompanied by a video of Holy Drill’s gospel remix Joy in Chaos.

“I pray God comforts everyone who lost a friend, a brother, a mother, a father, or a family member,” the Cross River-born singer added.

The lyrics of the song, originally released in 2023, reflect themes of resilience and faith in the face of tragedy:

“Christ is my firm foundation / The rock on which I stand / When everything around me’s shaking / I’ve never been more glad / I put my faith in Jesus / He’s never let me down.

“I still got joy in chaos / I’ve got peace that makes no sense / And I won’t be going under / I’m not held by my own strength / ’Cause I’ve built my life on Jesus / He’s never let me down.”

Iyanya’s tribute comes as the death toll from the latest attacks in Benue continues to generate reactions within and outside Nigeria.

On 14 June, over 100 people were killed in Yelewata and Daudu communities in Guma Local Government Area.

By Sunday, reports indicated the figure had exceeded 200. An additional 25 were reportedly slain in Mtswenem and Akondotyough Bawa communities in Makurdi LGA.

The killings have sparked nationwide outrage and renewed calls for government intervention.

Celebrities Decry Killings 

Leading the charge was Benue-born singer Innocent Idibia, popularly known as 2Baba, who described the situation as a “national emergency”.

“What is going on in my state has become a national emergency. I cannot wrap my head around it. I don’t even know what to say at this point in time because it is going to be business as usual,” 2Baba said in a video shared on Instagram.

“This thing has to stop; enough is enough. It has to involve everybody. Every stakeholder in this country, every stakeholder in Benue State. This is not child’s play. It’s becoming ridiculous,” he added.

Lamenting the repeated nature of the killings, the singer said, “I do not know where to start expressing my sadness, my grief, my anger, my frustration… We need a solution here. Let us be serious with the solution. My heart is heavy, terribly sad, terribly angry.”

The outpouring from 2Baba drew support from fellow celebrities and public figures. Rapper Olamide reposted the video on X (formerly Twitter), captioning it, “Prayers up for Benue.”

Other prominent voices who joined the call for justice include Kate Henshaw, Falz, Patience Ozokwor, Mayorkun, Ayra Starr, MI Abaga, Mr Macaroni, Sabinus, Kehinde Bankole, Bobrisky, Femi Lazarus, VeryDarkMan, Tacha, Omoni Oboli, and Pastor Bolaji.

They called for urgent and decisive action to halt the killings and restore peace to the beleaguered state.

Tinubu Visits Benue

Responding to mounting pressure, President Bola Tinubu visited Benue State on Wednesday to sympathise with the victims and assess the situation.

He arrived at the Tactical Air Command of the Nigerian Air Force in Makurdi before proceeding to the hospital, where some of the victims were receiving treatment.

During a stakeholder meeting at the new Banquet Hall of the Benue State Government House, Tinubu mandated the nation’s security chiefs to pursue those responsible for the attacks.

“Police, I hope your men are on alert to listen to information. How come no arrest has been made? I expect there should be an arrest of those criminals,” the President said.

He further directed intelligence agencies to enhance information gathering and security responses: “DG NIA, DG SSS, retool your information channels and let’s have tangible intelligence so that this will not occur again.”

In attendance at the meeting were Governor Hyacinth Alia, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, service chiefs, and lawmakers from the National Assembly. The state government had declared a public holiday in honour of the president’s visit.