Veteran Nigerian singer 2Face Idibia, popularly known as 2Baba, has expressed deep sorrow and frustration over the growing insecurity in Benue State.
In a heartfelt video shared on social media, the music icon said his heart is heavy as the killing of innocent people continues without any sign of a lasting solution.
He described the situation as a “national emergency”, stressing that it’s no longer something that should be ignored.
His emotional reaction follows the recent attack on Yelewata, a community in Guma Local Government Area of Benue, where several lives were lost.
“My heart is heavy, terribly sad, terribly angry,” he said, his voice filled with pain. “It’s become a national emergency what is going on in my state, Benue state… I can’t wrap my head around it.”
The singer condemned the repeated attacks on his people, saying the silence and lack of concrete action have made it worse.
“It’s just business as usual. Condemn the killings but this thing has to stop. This thing has to involve everybody in this country. It is not child’s play,” he added.
The Benue insecurity crisis, reached another level on Friday night, June 13, when armed men suspected to be herdsmen invaded Yelewata.
The town, located on the border between Nasarawa and Benue states, is less than an hour’s drive from the state capital, Makurdi.
According to eyewitness reports, the attackers came in large numbers from two different directions.
They reportedly took over the community around 10 p.m. and continued their deadly operation into the early hours of the next day.
In addition to the killings, several Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) taking shelter in open market stalls were also shot.
The community youths and police officers who tried to defend the town were overpowered.
Meanwhile, during the same period, another group of armed men reportedly launched a similar assault in Daudu, which is also located in Guma LGA.
This coordinated violence has left many families devastated, and survivors are calling for urgent government intervention.
“It’s becoming ridiculous. Haba! I don’t even know where to express my sadness, my grief, my anger, my frustration,” 2Baba continued in the video. “For this thing to keep happening over and over again… every time it happens we will call on the governor, call on the President… Habaaa!!!”
“It’s gone beyond condemning. Serious action needs to start to take place,” 2Baba insisted, urging both the government and citizens to treat the issue with the urgency it deserves.
