By Newspot Nigeria News Desk
In the wake of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s latest directive on the lingering crisis in Benue State, a respected academic and peace advocate, Professor Leonard Karshima Shilgba, has penned a passionate open letter urging the presidency to back strong rhetoric with meaningful, structured action.
Reacting to the President’s June 15 order to security chiefs and appeal to Governor Hyacinth Alia to spearhead reconciliation meetings, Prof. Shilgba acknowledged Tinubu’s statement labelling the killings as “inhuman and anti-progress” but pressed for more depth, detail, and accountability.
The open letter, released to the public on Monday, posed nine direct questions to the President, seeking to clarify critical issues such as:
- The identity of the so-called ‘warring parties’, which remain unnamed in official communications.
- The content and timing of earlier directives to security chiefs and why they failed to stop the bloodshed.
- Federal intelligence assessments on whether the conflict is communal, ethnic cleansing, terrorism, or politically instigated.
- The timeline, expected outcomes, and deployment goals of renewed security operations.
- Immediate humanitarian interventions for displaced persons in Benue.
- Federal support for structured reconciliation efforts, including possible deployment of neutral mediators.
- Investigations into political incitement and security complicity in the killings.
- Publication of prosecutorial progress regarding perpetrators on all sides.
Prof. Shilgba’s letter emphasized that while presidential sympathy is welcome, it cannot substitute for justice, transparency, and sustained action. “Let this be remembered as the moment the killings stopped,” he wrote, “not because the cries grew too loud to ignore, but because justice finally found its voice.”
This call for accountability comes amid renewed pressure from civil society groups, religious leaders, and displaced communities across Benue demanding an end to impunity and meaningful solutions.
As the situation develops, observers will be watching closely to see whether President Tinubu’s directive marks a turning point — or another missed opportunity in a long history of government promises.
📰 Newspot Nigeria will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as new developments emerge.
Full Statement by Prof. Leonard Karshima Shilgba:
His Excellency,
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,
President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces,
Federal Republic of Nigeria,
State House, Abuja.
Your Excellency,
I write to you as a concerned Nigerian and stakeholder in the fate of Benue State, deeply moved by your June 15, 2025 directive to security chiefs and your appeal to the Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, to urgently convene reconciliation meetings toward resolving the ongoing bloodshed in the state. Your strong words describing the killings as “inhuman and anti-progress” resonate with the pain and anguish of our people.
However, to ensure that this presidential intervention leads to meaningful and lasting change, I respectfully pose the following questions for your consideration and the attention of relevant authorities:
1. Who Are the “Warring Parties”?
You stated that Governor Alia should lead dialogue among the “warring parties.” Has the Federal Government formally identified these parties? Are they communal factions, armed herdsmen, terrorist cells, self-defense groups, political opponents, or external militias? Naming them clearly would improve public understanding and accountability.
2. What Was the “Earlier Directive” to Security Chiefs?
You mentioned renewing an earlier directive to security chiefs. When was this initial directive issued? What were its specific instructions, and why did it fail to prevent continued killings until now?
3. What is the Nature of the Conflict, According to Federal Intelligence?
Has your government officially classified this conflict as communal, terror-related, ethnic cleansing, or a mix of factors? Nigerians and the international community need to know what intelligence the government is working with.
4. What Timeline and Measurable Outcomes Are Expected?
With the deployment of intelligence, police, and military assets to Benue State, what specific objectives, timelines, and benchmarks should the citizens expect from this renewed operation?
5. Will Victims and Displaced Persons Receive Immediate Support?
Thousands have been displaced, and many now live in camps or host communities with no federal support. Is there a plan for food relief, psychosocial care, medical aid, and permanent resettlement?
6. Will the Federal Government Fund or Support the Reconciliation Process?
Beyond tasking the Governor with reconciliation, will your government provide resources, neutral facilitators, or mediation experts to support the process? Dialogue without structure may become another talking shop.
7. What About Accountability for Past Failures?
Have any local or national security officials been held accountable for dereliction of duty or complicity in these atrocities? The absence of consequences emboldens impunity.
8. What Concrete Action is Being Taken Against Identified Perpetrators?
You directed the arrest and prosecution of perpetrators on “all sides.” Have any suspects been apprehended? Can the names or groups currently under investigation be published?
9. Will Political and Community Inciters Be Investigated?
You warned political and community leaders to avoid inflammatory rhetoric. Are those who have made inciting statements or sponsored provocations being monitored or investigated?
Your Excellency, the people of Benue do not need mere sympathy. We need justice, transparency, and action. Your renewed directive could mark a turning point — or it could fade like many before it, unless followed by deliberate and sustained implementation. I urge you to back these words with bold action. Let this be remembered as the moment the killings stopped — not because the cries grew too loud to ignore, but because justice finally found its voice.
May wisdom guide your leadership, and may peace return to Benue and every troubled part of Nigeria.
Respectfully,
Prof. Leonard Karshima Shilgba
A concerned citizen and advocate for peace in Benue State
© Shilgba – Republished with credit by Newspot Nigeria
