By Dirisu Aruna
Lagos, Nigeria — Renowned Nigerian musician, Innocent Idibia, popularly known as Tuface, has joined the growing chorus of voices demanding urgent intervention in the ongoing violence in Benue State. In a passionate video message circulated on social media on Monday, June 16, the Benue-born artiste expressed deep sorrow and frustration over the killings in his home state.
The recent wave of attacks has reportedly claimed nearly 100 lives and left many more injured, further deepening the humanitarian crisis in the region.
“My heart is heavy. I am terribly sad and terribly angry,” Tuface said in the video. “What is going on in my state, Benue State, has become a national emergency. I can’t wrap my head around it.”
Visibly distressed, the multiple award-winning artiste decried the government’s repeated pattern of issuing statements of condemnation without taking concrete steps to end the bloodshed.
“This is not child’s play. It is becoming ridiculous. It is annoying,” he said. “Every time we call on governors and presidents. This is not funny anymore.”
Tuface emphasized that the time for words had passed, insisting that only collective and decisive action by all stakeholders could end the violence and restore peace to affected communities.
“It has gone beyond condemning. Serious action needs to start to take place; every stakeholder needs to come together and fight this. There is a solution. Let us be serious with it.”
Tuface’s appeal comes amid national outrage and mounting pressure on authorities to act swiftly in the face of escalating insecurity in Benue and other troubled regions across the country.
