Yelewata: Lack of Preemptive Action by Security Operatives Responsible for Attacks – President Of Middle Belt Forum

Dr Bitrus Pogu and Bandits on bike

The President of the Middle Belt Forum, Dr. Bitrus Pogu, has attributed the recent attack in Yelewata to the failure of security agencies to act on available intelligence reports.

He condemned what he described as negligence on the part of Nigeria’s security agencies, following the alleged disregard of a security alert that had foretold the attack.

Speaking during an appearance on Arise TV, Dr. Pogu made a startling revelation, stating that he received a warning message on the 27th of last month, indicating plans by suspected Fulani herders to attack the community. According to him, the information came through a private contact, and he believes the security forces must have received the same intelligence earlier.

“I had, on the 27th of last month, a security alert sent to me by somebody that the Fulani were planning to attack Yelewata. I have it on my phone,”
“That means, before it got to me, it would have reached the security apparatus of this country,” Pogu added.

The Middle Belt leader criticized the absence of preemptive action, emphasizing that such failures continue to fuel the persistent insecurity affecting rural communities in the region.

He argued that the inability to act on credible intelligence has led to avoidable loss of lives and has further intensified fear among local residents.

Dr. Pogu stressed the urgent need for a responsive and accountable security framework capable of effectively intercepting threats and protecting vulnerable populations.

He also urged the federal government to investigate how such alerts are managed by security personnel.

Yelewata and other communities in Benue State have repeatedly come under violent attacks, with mounting calls for sustainable solutions to the ongoing crisis.