Music star and Benue State government adviser, Innocent Idibia, popularly known as 2Baba, has expressed outrage over the continued killings in Yelewata, Benue State, describing the situation as a national emergency.
In a passionate video message shared online, the 49-year-old who currently serves as technical adviser to Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia on entertainment and community outreach lamented the rising death toll in the state and called for urgent action.
“My heart is heavy. I am terribly sad and angry,” he said in the emotional video.
“What is happening in Benue State has become a national emergency. I can’t wrap my head around it anymore. I don’t even know what to say at this point. This has to stop.”
He added, “My sadness, my anger, my frustration — it’s overwhelming that this keeps happening over and over again. This is no longer something we can just condemn in words. Serious action needs to be taken.”
2Baba also urged political, traditional and community leaders in the state to set aside their differences and work together to find lasting solutions to the crisis.
“Every stakeholder in Benue must join hands. We can end this. I believe there is a solution,” he said.
The musician’s outcry follows the recent killings in Yelewata, a community in Guma Local Government Area, where suspected herders attacked residents, killing dozens.
Although conflicting reports put the death toll between 59 and over 100, the state government confirmed 59 casualties. Many of the victims were reportedly burnt in their homes.
Governor Hyacinth Alia, in a statement, condemned the attack and said the perpetrators were from Nasarawa State. He called on security agencies to investigate and bring the attackers to justice.
Amnesty International also weighed in, describing the killings as part of a pattern of “almost daily bloodshed” in the state. The group urged the Nigerian government to take decisive steps to end the violence and protect rural communities.
2Baba, who hails from Idoma in Benue, has previously used his platform to advocate for peace and community development. His latest call reflects growing frustration among citizens as attacks persist across the state, mostly between farming communities and armed herders.
