2Face Idibia Decries Rising Insecurity in Benue, Calls for Urgent National Action

Nigerian music icon, Innocent Ujah Idibia, popularly known as 2Face, has voiced his anguish over the escalating insecurity in his home state, Benue, following the recent massacre of residents in Yelwata, a border town between Benue and Nasarawa States.

Suspected herdsmen reportedly invaded the community in a coordinated night attack around 10 p.m. on Friday, June 16, leaving dozens dead and many injured. The violence continued into the early hours of Saturday without any security intervention.

Reacting in a video shared online, 2Face described the persistent bloodshed in Benue as a “national emergency”, expressing sorrow, anger, and frustration over the government’s failure to halt the recurring violence.

“My heart is heavy, terribly sad, terribly angry! It’s become a national emergency what is going on in my state, Benue State… I can’t wrap my head around it. It’s just business as usual. Condemn the killings, but this thing has to stop,” he lamented.

The award-winning singer criticized the cyclical nature of attacks followed by public outcry with no decisive government response.

“Every time it happens, we call on the governor, call on the president… Haba! This thing is not funny anymore. It’s gone beyond condemning. Serious action needs to start taking place,” he added.

2Face called on all Nigerians to treat the killings in Benue not as a regional issue, but as a collective national crisis requiring urgent intervention.

The Yelwata attack is one of many recent violent incidents in Benue, which has become a hotspot for clashes between armed herdsmen and local communities. Rights groups and citizens have repeatedly urged federal and state authorities to implement lasting security reforms and ensure justice for victims.