The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has condemned in the strongest terms, the recent massacre in Benue State, describing it as a tragedy that undermines public trust in the Nigerian state and threatens the country’s international image.
In a statement issued by the National Secretary of the NUJ, Achike Chude, the union expressed deep sorrow over the killings of over 100 citizens in Benue, calling it another dark chapter in Nigeria’s long struggle with insecurity.
The NUJ warned that repeated incidents of mass violence are eroding public confidence and could lead to national disillusionment if not urgently addressed.
“For over 15 years, successive governments have failed to effectively secure lives across Nigeria,” the statement indicated.
“The Nigerian state must not be seen as helpless. The loss of over a hundred innocent lives in Benue is one massacre too many.”
The NUJ lamented that while the Constitution explicitly outlines the state’s duty to protect its citizens, the repeated failure to prevent such tragedies is a betrayal of that responsibility.
It rejected the notion that Nigeria is incapable of defending its people, citing the country’s past military interventions in Liberia and Sierra Leone as proof of its former resolve.
While acknowledging President Bola Tinubu’s condemnation of the Benue killings and his call to security agencies for urgent action, the NUJ insisted that such expressions must now translate into tangible results.
“We’ve heard these condemnations before. What we need now is a different outcome, justice, security, and an end to impunity,” the union stated.
The NUJ called for the integration of community-led security frameworks if federal agencies continue to fall short.
“If the Nigerian state cannot protect its people, then it must empower communities to defend themselves. Anything less is to sentence vulnerable Nigerians to a slow and painful death,” the statement warned.
Expressing condolences to the government and people of Benue State, the NUJ pledged to support all lawful and constructive efforts aimed at restoring peace and ending the cycle of violence in the region.
