Jude Abaga, better known by his stage name MI Abaga, has added his voice to the chorus of outrage over the horrific massacre that recently occurred in Benue State. The veteran Nigerian rapper and music executive took to social media on Monday, June 16, 2025, to express deep sadness and condemn the violence that has devastated communities in the Middle Belt region of Nigeria.
Posting on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, MI Abaga released a moving message in which he reflected on the human toll of the violence and called for solidarity. His post read:
"My heart is heavy. It grieves me deeply to see so much of the Middle Belt bleed. The recent killings in Benue are not just statistics; they are our people, our families, our communities being torn apart."
The hip-hop legend emphasized that the victims should not be reduced to mere numbers or headlines. In his message, he underlined the shared humanity and the deep emotional connection he feels with those affected. MI went further to declare his commitment to remembering the dead and supporting the living:
"I stand in solidarity with my brothers and sisters in Benue. Your pain is my pain. We can’t normalise this cycle of violence that has plagued our land for too long. To those we’ve lost: we will not forget you. To those still standing, we stand with you."
His powerful message comes on the heels of a brutal assault carried out in the Guma Local Government Area of Benue State. Over the span of two days, armed attackers believed to be herders descended on villages, killing over 200 people according to local reports. Many victims were burned alive, entire families wiped out, and survivors left traumatized.
The severity of the attack has led to widespread national and international condemnation. Political leaders, celebrities, civil society groups, and concerned citizens have all demanded immediate action. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar labeled the situation as a “national emergency” and called on both the Federal and State governments to launch a thorough investigation into the killings.
Atiku also urged authorities to deploy more security personnel to Benue and to take concrete steps to ensure such atrocities do not occur again. The incident has reignited discussions about the long-standing conflict between farmers and herders in the region and the failure of successive administrations to address the root causes.
Many Nigerians have taken to social media to demand that a state of emergency be declared in Benue. The trending hashtags reflect the nation’s anguish and the public’s call for accountability, justice, and a permanent resolution to the violence.
MI Abaga's statement reflects the growing frustration among influential Nigerians who are using their platforms to advocate for justice and peace. His emotional message has resonated widely, with thousands of users retweeting and sharing in solidarity.
My heart is heavy. It grieves me deeply to see so much of the Middle Belt bleed. The recent killings in Benue are not just statistics, they are our people, our families, our communities being torn apart. I stand in solidarity with my brothers and sisters in Benue. Your pain is…
— MI Abaga (@MI_Abaga) June 16, 2025