Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, has sharply criticised both the Federal Government and Benue State authorities for failing to prosecute suspects arrested for violent crimes in the state.
In a statement released through the Alliance on Surviving COVID-19 and Beyond (ASCAB), which he chairs, Falana decried a recurring pattern where arrests are made, but suspects linked to offences ranging from illegal arms possession to mass killings and kidnappings are rarely brought to justice.
His comments follow President Bola Tinubu’s recent visit to Benue, where the president ordered law enforcement to arrest and prosecute those behind a fresh wave of attacks.
Falana, however, described the directive as likely symbolic, citing previous unfulfilled promises and the absence of real consequences for perpetrators.
He also condemned the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, for accusing residents of Yelwata of sheltering attackers, calling it a misplaced blame that overlooks deeper failures in governance and security.
Falana cited several past incidents to highlight the lack of follow-through Dec 30, 2024: Benue Commissioner of Police, Hassan Yabanet, announced 273 arrests for capital crimes and the recovery of arms and ammunition, Jan 17, 2024: Police uncovered an illegal gun factory in the state. Two suspects were arrested with weapons, including locally made pistols and parts of an AK-47, Apr 17, 2025: Governor Hyacinth Alia confirmed the arrest of three herdsmen over the killing of 11 people in Otobi and Jun 19, 2025: Community Volunteer Guards apprehended three suspected kidnappers with ransom money at Otukpo motor park.
Between January and June 2025, Falana noted, dozens of arrests were made 43 suspected killers in just 10 days yet few have faced prosecution.
“Authorities continue to treat suspected killers in Benue as sacred cows,” Falana said.
“The Attorney-General of Benue State, Mr. Fidelis Mnyim, must act now to ensure justice.”
He stressed that the constitutional right to life, under Section 33 of the 1999 Constitution, is meaningless unless violators are held accountable.
Falana warned that the unchecked cycle of violence and impunity threatens to further erode public trust and worsen insecurity across the region.
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