NAJUWA Condemns Benue Killings, Urges Unity Against Violence

The National Association of Jukun Wanu (NAJUWA) has condoled with victims of the recent Benue killings, while also advocating for concerted action against violence.

It has particularly bemoaned the tragic killings in Agatu and Idoma communities, as well as the recent incident in Yelwata, Guma Local Government Area.

Expressing its views via a release signed by its President-General Moses Amankye Adanwo, and Secretary-General Comr. Sule Musa Atase, NAJUWA said it was standing in solidarity with all victims and their families in the moment of loss, while calling for collective action against continued bloodshed in the area.

“NAJUWA unequivocally condemns all forms of violence, which run contrary to our values as peace-loving people.

“However, we firmly reject attempts to implicate the Jukun people in the recurring violence in Benue State, especially in Tiv communities”, it said..

According to NAJUWA, recent allegations of Jukun complicity in attacks against her Tiv neighbours are baseless and inflammatory, hence the need for caution by the public.

“For instance, the misleading claims circulated on April 28th and 29th, 2025, in posts by Orkuma Benjamin and Aomoty Content, respectively, have only served to fuel division.

“We reiterate our demand for the retraction of these posts and a public apology.

“A recent investigation conducted by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Guma LGA, alongside other security agencies, has confirmed our position and non-involvement in the Yelwata incident. In fact, members of the Jukun community in Abinsi are currently providing shelter to some displaced Tiv victims of the violence”, it said. .

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It has, while sharing in the grief of the Idoma, Agatu, and Tiv people, proposed what it calls concrete steps toward reconciliation and peace:

These, according to it, include to

▪ Support President Bola Tinubu’s call urging His Excellency, Governor Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, to include Jukun representatives in the proposed stakeholder committee to ensure inclusive governance.

▪ Collaborate with security forces and reaffirm our commitment to assist lawful investigations into all incidents of violence.

▪ Appoint a bilingual (Tiv/English) spokesperson among the Jukun to help correct misinformation and foster interethnic understanding.

“NAJUWA remains dedicated to peace, justice, and the constitutional rights of all Nigerians.

Calling on all media outlets to verify claims on the Benue Killings and in fact other disagreements in the region, before rushing to publish, it also advised that all communities should reject division and stand united against insecurity.