Yemi Olakitan
Award-winning Nigerian singer, Innocent Idibia, better known as 2Baba, has voiced his heartbreak and outrage over the recent killings in Benue State, describing the situation as a full-blown national emergency.
In a video shared via his Instagram page on Sunday, the Benue-born artiste expressed his deep frustration with the ongoing violence that has claimed multiple lives in his home state, including civilians and security personnel.
“What is going on in my state has become a national emergency. I cannot wrap my head around it,” the 49-year-old singer said. “I do not even know what to say at this point in time because it is going to be business as usual.”
The comments come in the wake of renewed attacks on Yelwata and Daudu communities in Guma Local Government Area over the weekend. Reports indicate that armed herders invaded the areas, killing several residents and security operatives. Similar violence was also recorded in Mtswenem and Akondotyough Bawa in Makurdi LGA.
Reacting to the tragic events, the ‘African Queen’ crooner made an emotional appeal to authorities and citizens alike to treat the matter with the seriousness it deserves.
“This thing has to stop. It has to evoke everybody — every stakeholder in this country, every stakeholder in Benue State. This is not child’s play. It’s becoming ridiculous,” he said.
Clearly shaken, 2Baba lamented the lack of sustained, effective response to the recurring violence that has plagued his home state for years.
“I don’t know where to start expressing my sadness, my grief, my anger, my frustration for these things that keep happening over and over again,” he said. “We call on the governors, we call on the president. Oh man, this thing is not funny anymore.”
He stressed that the time for mere condemnation has passed and urged for collective action.
“It has gone beyond just condemning. Serious action needs to start to take place. Every stakeholder needs to come together. We need a solution here. Let us be serious with the solution. My heart is heavy, terribly sad, terribly angry.”
His call adds to a growing list of voices demanding a decisive end to the insecurity in Benue and other parts of the country frequently targeted by armed groups.
So far, neither the Benue State Government nor the Federal Government has issued a comprehensive statement in response to the latest wave of attacks.