A coalition of Yoruba and Itsekiri socio-political groups has accused armed groups behind the ongoing violence in Benue State and the wider North Central region of pursuing a jihadist agenda. The Alliance of Yoruba Democratic Movements (AYDM), comprising 130 organisations, alleged that the attacks are part of a plot to revive the defunct 1804 Fulani-led jihad and warned that national stability is at risk.
In a statement issued at the weekend, the AYDM called on President Bola Tinubu to take urgent action to end the bloodshed and begin restructuring the country to give regions more control over their resources and internal security.
The coalition condemned the recent massacre of over 200 people in Yelewata, Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, describing it as part of a pattern of well-funded, politically motivated violence. It also claimed that more than 50 Yoruba people living in the Middle Belt have been killed and that such attacks are part of a broader campaign to destabilise indigenous communities and seize their lands.
AYDM linked the growing violence to political manoeuvres ahead of the 2027 elections, urging security agencies to investigate and dismantle the local and international networks behind the attacks. The group announced plans to visit Benue later in June to express solidarity with victims.
The coalition reiterated its call for immediate restructuring, warning that only true federalism can protect Nigeria from further disintegration.
