Nigerian music legend and Benue-born humanitarian, Innocent Ujah Idibia, popularly known as 2Baba, has expressed deep sorrow and anger over the continued bloodshed in Benue State, describing the killings as a national disaster that demands urgent action.
In a powerful and emotional video posted on his social media handles on Monday, the “African Queen” crooner said he was heartbroken and overwhelmed by the scale of human tragedy unfolding in his home state. His message comes amid fresh attacks on rural communities in Benue, where more than 200 people were reportedly killed in separate raids over the past two weeks by suspected armed herders and bandits.
"My heart is heavy. I am terribly sad and angry,” 2Baba said. “What is happening in Benue State has become a national emergency. I can’t wrap my head around it anymore. I don’t even know what to say at this point. This has to stop.”
2Baba, who currently serves as the Technical Adviser to the Benue State Governor on Entertainment and Community Outreach, said he could no longer remain silent while innocent men, women, and children were being slaughtered in their homes and farmlands.
“This is no longer something we can just condemn in words. Serious action needs to be taken,” he said. “My sadness, my anger, my frustration—it’s overwhelming that this keeps happening over and over again. Where is the value for human life?”
The music star’s passionate appeal follows renewed criticism of the federal government’s handling of the escalating violence in Benue and other parts of the North Central region. Communities in Guma, Logo, Ukum, and Agatu LGAs have come under frequent attacks, leaving hundreds dead and thousands displaced. Survivors and local leaders have accused security agencies of inaction and the federal government of failing to provide adequate protection or relief.
The killings have sparked national outrage, with opposition leaders such as Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar condemning President Bola Tinubu for failing to visit the affected areas or show public empathy.
“This is not just a Benue crisis—it’s a Nigerian crisis,” 2Baba stressed. “We’re losing our humanity. We can’t normalize this level of evil. If we stay silent, we are all complicit.”
He urged fellow Nigerians, civil society groups, religious leaders, and the international community to speak out and pressure the government to act decisively.
“The people of Benue are not just statistics. They are mothers, fathers, children. This must end. Let’s not wait until it happens to us before we speak,” he said.
As Benue continues to bury its dead and survivors cry out for justice and protection, voices like 2Baba’s add to growing calls for a new approach to end the carnage and restore peace to Nigeria’s once-thriving Middle Belt region.
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