The Conflict Research Network West Africa (CORN) has issued a passionate appeal to President Bola Tinubu , urging him to take decisive a...
The Conflict Research Network West Africa (CORN) has issued a passionate appeal to President Bola Tinubu, urging him to take decisive and sustained action to address Nigeria’s worsening security situation—particularly in the wake of the brutal killing of over 150 civilians in Yelewata, Guma Local Government Area of Benue State.
In a strongly worded statement signed by Dr. Timipere Allison, Executive Director of CORN, and released to the press by its Director of Communication, Professor Oludayo Tade, the network condemned the “senseless attack” and demanded a community-driven, justice-anchored response.
“This senseless attack, one of many in the escalating wave of violence ravaging North-Central Nigeria, reveals a catastrophic failure by the government to safeguard its citizens,” said Dr. Allison.
“We unequivocally condemn this heinous act. Such atrocities not only target innocent individuals but threaten the collective security and future of the Nigerian state.”
CORN’s Immediate Demands: Trauma Support, Justice, and Security Reform
Dr. Allison urged the Federal Government to provide trauma support and assistance to survivors and the families of the victims. He stressed that the impunity with which non-state actors operate is a direct indictment of the state's inability to protect its citizens.
“The ability of non-state actors to terrorise communities with impunity exposes deepening weaknesses in the state’s security apparatus. This climate of lawlessness emboldens perpetrators who continue to destroy lives and undermine national stability,” he warned.
CORN is calling on President Tinubu to:
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Ensure the protection of vulnerable communities across Benue and beyond.
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Launch a prompt, transparent investigation into the massacre.
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Prosecute perpetrators in accordance with national and international laws.
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Allocate adequate resources to security agencies—especially the Nigeria Police, Military, and State Security Services—for swift and effective response.
A Call for Structural Overhaul: Local Security Must Be Embedded
Citing research conducted across West Africa, CORN emphasized the urgent need to restructure Nigeria’s security architecture to be more community-embedded and justice-integrated.
“Our research has shown that the absence of law enforcement in rural communities creates the conditions for non-state armed groups to commit heinous crimes. This calls for a fundamental restructuring of Nigeria’s security system,” Dr. Allison noted.
“We need a security framework that is deeply embedded in communities and tied into the justice system—not just to maintain order, but to ensure that crimes are prosecuted and justice is served.”
Supporting Peace and Accountability
CORN West Africa commended both state and non-state actors currently working to bring peace and stability to the North-Central region. The network reiterated its commitment to working alongside civil society, community leaders, and policymakers to champion peace, justice, and reconciliation.
“Using our extensive research network, CORN will continue to work toward protecting human dignity across Nigeria,” Allison stated.
In closing, Dr. Allison described the massacre of children, women, the elderly, and the destruction of homes and food supplies as not only a violation of fundamental human rights but also a serious breach of international humanitarian law.
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