ADC chieftain, Dino Melaye has claimed that over 6,000 Nigerians have been killed in Benue State since Bola Tinubu assumed office in May 2023, as he criticised the ongoing failure to address persistent insecurity in the region.

Dino Melaye made the statement while speaking on the violence that has continued to affect farming communities in the state.

In a video clip shared widely on social media, Melaye pointed to the high number of deaths recorded in Benue alone during this period and questioned why the situation has not improved.

He said the figures reflect a serious challenge that demands attention from those in authority.

According to him, the attacks by terrorists have claimed thousands of lives and forced many residents to flee their homes, leaving behind destroyed farms and communities living in fear.

Benue has seen repeated incidents of violence linked to disputes over land and resources, with terrorists often targeting villages at night.

Reports from rights groups, including Amnesty International, have documented thousands of deaths across parts of central Nigeria in the same timeframe, with Benue recording one of the highest tolls.

Melaye, a former senator known for his outspoken views, used the occasion to highlight what he described as a lack of effective response to the crisis.

He argued that the scale of the loss in Benue should prompt stronger action to protect lives and restore calm.

The claims come amid broader concerns about insecurity in north-central Nigeria.

Independent estimates vary, but several sources have pointed to significant casualties in Benue from terrorist activities since 2023.

Some analyses put the number of deaths in the state in the thousands, though exact verification remains difficult due to the remote locations affected and challenges in data collection.

Local residents and community leaders have repeatedly called for better security deployment and measures to address the root causes of the conflict, such as competition between farmers and herders.

In recent months, attacks have continued in areas like Apa, Gwer West and other local government areas, adding to the displacement of hundreds of thousands of people.

Melaye’s remarks add to the public debate on how best to tackle the violence that has affected daily life in Benue for years.

He urged those responsible for security to do more to prevent further loss of life and allow people to return to their normal activities without constant threat.

As the situation persists, many in the state continue to hope for lasting solutions that go beyond statements and include practical steps on the ground.

The federal and state governments have at times announced operations and peace initiatives, but residents say the cycle of attacks has not yet been broken.

This latest comment from the ADC chieftain reflects the frustration felt by many who live with the daily reality of the insecurity in Benue.