Veteran Nigerian singer, 2Face Idibia, has spoken out about the increasing violence and insecurity in his home state, Benue. The music icon said he is deeply troubled by the ongoing killings affecting innocent people.

In a video he shared online, 2Face said his heart is heavy because of the repeated attacks happening in Benue. He described the current situation as a “national emergency” that needs serious attention.

‘’My heart is heavy, terribly sad, terribly angry! It’s become a national emergency what is going on in my state, Benue state….I can’t wrap my head around it. It’s just business as usual. Condemn the killings but this thing has to stop. This thing has to involve everybody in this country. It is not child’s play. It’s becoming ridiculous. Haba! I don’t even know where to express my sadness, my grief, my anger, my frustration, for this thing to keep happening over and over again..every time it happens we will call on the governor, call on the President…Hab!!! This thing is not funny. It’s not funny anymore. It’s gone beyond condemning. Serious action needs to start to take place”

His reaction comes after another deadly incident in the town of Yelwata, where many people were killed. Reports say the attackers were herdsmen who crossed into Benue from neighboring Nasarawa State. Yelwata is a border town that’s less than an hour away from Makurdi, the state capital.

The attack happened late on Friday night, June 16, and continued into the early hours of Saturday. The invaders moved freely through the community without being stopped or challenged.

Eyewitnesses explained that the attackers came in large groups from two directions. They overpowered the young men and police officers who tried to protect the town. Sadly, they went on to shoot at unarmed villagers and displaced people who were sleeping in market stalls.

While the Yelwata attack was still going on, another group of attackers also invaded Daudu, a nearby town in the same Guma Local Government Area. This second attack added to the fear and suffering in the region.

2Face’s emotional message is another call for urgent action to stop the bloodshed and restore peace to the people of Benue.