In a powerful statement that has resonated across Nigeria and beyond, Olaojo Temitope Vincent, a Canada-based lawyer and CEO of WhiteRock Energy Resources, has issued a scathing condemnation of the recent massacre in Yelewata, Guma Local Government Area of Benue State.
The attack, which reportedly claimed over 200 lives and left countless injured and displaced, has been described as “barbaric, senseless, and unacceptable in any civilized society.”
Olaojo, speaking from his base in Canada, expressed profound sorrow for the victims and their families, particularly the widows and orphans left behind. He did not mince words in his call for action:
“Without a strategic, documented roadmap to peace, we are merely postponing the next crisis.”
The Call for Justice
The legal expert urged the Nigerian government at all levels—federal, state, and local—to act swiftly and decisively in apprehending the perpetrators.
He stressed the importance of compensating affected families and rebuilding destroyed homes and infrastructure as essential steps toward healing and justice.
Olaojo also criticized the delayed response of security operatives and called for the establishment of grassroots peace and security committees.
He advocated for the issuance of a comprehensive white paper to address both the immediate and underlying causes of such violent attacks, warning that failure to act would only lead to further tragedy.
In a rare note of commendation, Olaojo praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unannounced visit to victims at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital in Makurdi, calling it a “rare display of empathy and leadership.”
“President Tinubu has made history as the first Nigerian President to personally visit victims of such attacks in their hospital beds. That human aspect of governance must be applauded.”
The Need for Proactive Measures
Olaojo emphasized that reactive measures are not enough. He called for enhanced collaboration among all tiers of government to create a sustainable approach for preventing reprisal attacks and building trust among diverse communities.
“Beyond reactive measures, we need proactive intelligence and swift response mechanisms. We cannot continue to mourn our citizens this way.”
Quote of the Day
“Justice delayed is justice denied. We must stand together as a nation to ensure that every life lost in Benue is honored, not just with words, but with concrete actions.”
— Olaojo Temitope Vincent, Canada-Based Lawyer
The message from Olaojo and other concerned voices is clear: Nigeria must reject the culture of silence and impunity, and demand justice, restoration, and lasting peace for all her citizens. As the nation grapples with the aftermath of this tragedy, the call for accountability, compensation, and sustainable peacebuilding grows louder. The hope remains that leaders and citizens alike will unite to ensure that such senseless violence becomes a thing of the past, and that every Nigerian can live in dignity and security.
