President Bola Tinubu’s recent visit to Benue State came on the heels of yet another horrific round of mass killings. Before arriving, he had already issued a public statement. That statement, however, drew both criticism and praise. While some accused him of downplaying the situation, others saw it as a reflection of the harsh realities on the ground.

Instead of simply assigning blame, this moment calls for a deeper, contextual understanding. Rather than engaging in unhelpful emotional outbursts, it is essential to unpack Tinubu’s words, examine related government reactions, and connect them with facts on the ground. By doing so, we can better grasp the full picture of Benue’s recurring violence—and understand what real solutions must look like.

First, What Did Tinubu Say—and Why Does It Matter?

In his press statement, Tinubu referred to the killings as the “latest round of reprisal attacks.” He also called on the Benue State Governor to facilitate reconciliation meetings and urged local leaders to avoid provocative comments that could further inflame tensions. Many critics, however, interpreted his statement as tone-deaf or even biased, believing he unfairly distributed blame.

Yet, when placed in proper context, Tinubu’s choice of words begins to make more sense. He didn’t speak in a vacuum. Instead, he seemed to acknowledge a well-documented cycle of violence, including attacks that have originated from within Benue communities themselves—not just from external actors like armed herders.

For instance, the September 2021 conflict between Tse Njor and Opaha Adoka in Gwer West and Otukpo LGAs, or the June 2023 clashes in Ikpayongo, Gwer East, highlight this internal pattern. Furthermore, the July 8, 2023 attack in Ukum LGA—which barely made national headlines—was attributed by AIT to “hoodlums,” not herdsmen. Foreign outlet Crisis24 also reported on it, noting that about 20 gunmen stormed villages and burned homes. Clearly, these incidents underscore that communal clashes within Benue are not a fabrication.

Therefore, when Tinubu referred to “reprisal attacks,” he was not guessing. He likely relied on credible intelligence reports confirming both internal disputes and externally driven violence. His words, then, reflect a broader awareness rather than misinformation.

Akume’s Economic Angle and Political Realities

Alongside Tinubu, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume—himself a Benue native—added another layer. He urged unity, downplayed religious motivations, and emphasized economic causes. While some may see this as insensitive, Akume pointed to something undeniable: land and economic hardship have driven many of these clashes.

Indeed, climate change, shrinking farmland, and rising poverty have intensified competition for resources. These conditions have turned neighbours into enemies. In many cases, economic desperation—not ideology—has been the spark that lit the fire.

Moreover, conversations with Benue intellectuals confirm additional layers. According to a university lecturer from the region, there is also a political angle—complete with reports of mercenaries hired to wreak havoc. This reinforces the idea that Nigeria’s insecurity is no longer about ethnic rivalry alone. Criminality has evolved. Now, paid killers, political saboteurs, and armed opportunists all operate under the cover of communal identities.

What Fulani Leaders Said—And Why That Matters Too

Interestingly, Fulani leaders in Benue supported Tinubu’s statement. They acknowledged his effort to tackle both the farmer-herder crisis and internal communal conflicts. The leader of Miyetti Allah praised the president’s courage, especially his call for political and traditional leaders to seek peace. Another Fulani elder went further, revealing that “madmen” from outside the state had infiltrated their communities.

This admission aligns with growing evidence of organized criminal gangs operating under ethnic banners. Across Nigeria, “madmen”—a euphemism for mercenaries—are hired guns available to the highest bidder. Their presence complicates an already volatile situation.

At the Heart of It All: A Broken Security Architecture

So, what ties these layers together? It is the reality that Nigeria’s centralized security system has failed. No matter who the attackers are, the question remains: why do they keep succeeding?

The Nigerian Police Force and the military are both overstretched and under-resourced. Most officers are stationed in cities or assigned to VIPs. Rural areas, where most of these attacks occur, are largely unprotected. Even worse, reports of arrested criminals being quietly released continue to erode public trust in national institutions.

Every administration since 1999 has failed to tackle this fundamental flaw. Despite changing service chiefs, the results remain the same. That’s because the problem isn’t about individuals—it’s about the structure.

Proof of Concept: Amotekun in the South-West

The Amotekun Corps in the South-West offers a clear example of what a functional, decentralized security outfit can achieve. Amotekun understands the terrain, the people, and the language. Most importantly, it operates under state authority and remains accountable to the local population. Criminals arrested by Amotekun are not mysteriously released—they are prosecuted.

Imagine if every state had such a force, designed to protect its people, respond swiftly to threats, and work alongside national agencies. Attacks like those in Benue would likely decrease, and criminals would face consequences instead of impunity.

Tinubu’s Silence at the Town Hall Was Intentional, Not Indifferent

During his town hall meeting in Benue, Tinubu chose not to argue with speakers presenting opposing views. Some misread this as aloofness. In truth, it was strategic restraint. As president, Tinubu receives sensitive intelligence reports. He likely knew much more than what was publicly shared.

Rather than escalating tensions, he listened and absorbed. Sometimes, leadership requires listening more than speaking. In this case, it showed maturity.

Conclusion: Fixing the Real Problem—Not Chasing Shadows

Yes, farmers are attacked. Yes, herders have been blamed. Yes, political and criminal elements fuel the violence. But if Nigeria keeps focusing only on who is behind each attack without fixing why they keep happening, the bloodshed will continue.

The reason these attacks persist is simple: Nigeria’s security system is not built to respond to local threats quickly or effectively. Until that changes—until states gain real authority over their own security—the country will remain vulnerable.

President Tinubu’s remarks, rather than being dismissed, should be examined carefully. He reflected the complexity of the crisis in Benue. However, the real solution lies in bold structural reform, not rhetorical precision. Decentralized security is no longer an option—it is a necessity.

If Nigeria fails to act, the next round of killings is not a matter of if, but when. And when it happens, we must ask ourselves: did we miss the chance to fix what we knew was broken?

The time for excuses is over. The time for decentralization is now.