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Sultan of Sokoto Cries Out: Stop the Bloodshed in Benue

Published by Tope Fakinlede on June 17th, 2025.

Sultan of Sokoto Cries Out: Stop the Bloodshed in Benue

By Aza Msue

The Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has voiced his deep sorrow and growing frustration over the latest wave of brutal killings in Benue State, describing the bloodshed as utterly inhuman and a stain on the conscience of the nation.

In a statement issued by the Secretary-General of Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), Professor Khalid Abubakar Aliyu, the Sultan condemned the attacks in the strongest possible terms, calling them “barbaric, ungodly, and a total betrayal of the values we hold as human beings.”

The Sultan, who also serves as President-General of JNI, said he is “deeply pained and genuinely disturbed” by the ongoing violence in Benue, where innocent and defenseless people continue to be slaughtered without cause or consequence.

“How long will this senseless loss of life go on?” the statement asked. “Why do our security agencies continue to respond only after tragedy has struck?”

Citing the Qur’an, the JNI reminded the nation of the sacredness of human life: “Whoever kills a soul… it is as if he had slain mankind entirely” (Qur’an 5:32).

The JNI stressed that such acts of violence must never be allowed to become the norm, and expressed frustration over the apparent impunity with which these crimes are being committed. While acknowledging the efforts of security forces, the group criticized their recurring failure to prevent attacks, noting that authorities often arrive only when the damage is already done.

The statement urged all levels of government, religious institutions, civil society, and local communities to break the cycle of violence through sincere collaboration and decisive action.

“Enough is enough,” the Sultan declared. “Remaining silent or indifferent will only empower those who seek to tear this country apart.”