NSA Ribadu: “We Inherited an Extremely Bad Government” – Urges Benue People to Support Tinubu Amid Insecurity Crisis
By Frank I. Alapa | IDNN.COM.NG | April 23, 2025
National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, has said that President Bola Tinubu’s administration inherited a bad and broken government plagued by deep-rooted insecurity and systemic failure. He made this statement on Tuesday during a condolence visit to Benue State, following the massacre of over 72 residents in recent weeks.
Ribadu’s visit comes as attacks by suspected terrorists posing as herders continue to destabilize parts of Ukum and Logo LGAs, where scores have been killed and many displaced.
“Stop Politicizing the Killings” — NSA Appeals
Ribadu, while condemning the violence, appealed to the people of Benue to support the Tinubu-led administration in its efforts to stabilize the region.
“Give us a chance and stop politicizing the killings. This will help us to restore peace,” Ribadu said.
He further explained that military deployments to every village are not feasible, adding that the government is working hard to reduce the wave of attacks across the country.
“We Inherited a Broken System”
The NSA stressed that the insecurity crisis is not new, noting that the administration inherited “an extremely bad government.”
“To do the harm is easy, but to solve it takes time. We’ve reduced violence from what we met. This one too, we will confront it,” Ribadu assured.
11 More Killed in Fresh Ukum Attack
IDNN reports that shortly before Ribadu’s visit, gunmen launched a fresh assault in Afia community, Ukum LGA, killing 11 people and injuring several others.
This follows last week’s massacre of over 50 farmers in the same region, marking one of the bloodiest months in Benue State since 2011.
Governor Alia: “Benue is Under Siege”
Responding to Ribadu’s visit, Governor Hyacinth Alia called the ongoing attacks a “siege on Benue,” stating that the state has suffered unimaginable loss of lives since 2011.
“We are in a very sober moment. This is a humanitarian crisis. Our people are dying in numbers that defy logic,” Alia said.
Conclusion
The rising body count in Benue demands more than condolences. While Ribadu’s call for patience may resonate in policy circles, many on the ground are calling for immediate military response, federal presence, and lasting peace-building strategies.
Until then, the people of Benue continue to bury their dead.