2baba Calls for Collective Action to Stop Benue Killings

Renowned Nigerian musician, Innocent Idibia, popularly known as 2Baba, has described the unrelenting wave of violence in parts of Benue State as a “national emergency,” calling for immediate and collective action to halt the bloodshed.

In an emotional video shared via his Instagram page on Sunday, the award-winning singer expressed heartbreak and frustration over the incessant attacks, lamenting the apparent indifference of authorities and lack of meaningful intervention.

“My heart is heavy. I am terribly sad and angry. 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, it has to involve everybody, every stakeholder in this country, everyone in Benue State. It’s not child’s play, it’s becoming ridiculous,” 2Baba said, visibly emotional.

The singer emphasized that the time for verbal condemnations is over, urging leaders and citizens alike to commit to real, united efforts to end the crisis.“I don’t know where to start expressing my sadness, grief, my anger, my frustration, because these things keep happening over and over again. This is no longer something we can just condemn in words. Serious action needs to be taken,” he added.

Reinforcing the need for a collaborative solution, the Benue-born music icon appealed to stakeholders within and beyond the state to join forces in confronting the escalating violence.

“Every stakeholder in Benue, we need to come together. We can end this. I believe there is a solution, we just need to be serious with the solution.”

His impassioned appeal comes in the wake of the killing of about 200 men, women, and children in Yeluwata, Guma Local Government Area of Benue State on Saturday, June 14, reportedly by suspected armed herders.