By ABEL JOHNGOLD, mnipr
The National Association of Seadogs (Pyrates Confraternity) has condemned in strong terms the persistent wave of violence in Benue State, describing the continued bloodletting and displacement of innocent citizens as a national disgrace that demands urgent and sustained action from the Federal Government.
In a powerful statement issued Tuesday, June 17, 2025, by the NAS Cap’n, Dr. Joseph Oteri, the group expressed outrage over the recent massacre in Yelewata and surrounding communities, where over 100 people were reportedly killed in attacks widely blamed on armed herders.
“It is unconscionable that in the year 2025, entire communities in Nigeria still live under the shadow of fear, unable to sleep, farm, or assemble freely, because their lives are constantly under threat from well-armed killers who operate with brazen impunity,” the statement read.
The Seadogs, who said they stand in solidarity with the bereaved families and displaced victims, decried what they called the “lukewarm response” of the authorities and warned against reactive military deployments that fail to address the root causes of the crisis.
While acknowledging President Bola Tinubu’s recent directive to deploy Special Forces to Benue, the group said such measures must not be “another media-driven gesture that fizzles out,” urging instead a “sustained, coordinated, and transparent security strategy to end this national shame.”
Equally disturbing to the group is what it described as “divisive rhetoric” from Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, who they said appeared to shift blame onto the victims by suggesting internal collaboration with attackers.
“This unfortunate narrative only deepens mistrust, polarises communities, and diverts attention from the real threat—armed bandits masquerading as herders, terrorising citizens and threatening national unity,” NAS stated.
As a way forward, the Pyrates Confraternity called for the creation of a hybrid security task force comprising the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Police, and trained community protection volunteers.
“This force must be rooted in local intelligence, equipped with technology, and mandated to dislodge armed militias and secure borders around Benue and adjoining states,” the statement said.
The group also insisted on the prosecution of perpetrators and sponsors of the killings to break what it described as the “cycle of impunity,” stressing that justice must be both done and seen to be done.
Beyond security, NAS advocated for a national summit to address the decades-long farmer-herder crisis, with the adoption of ranching policies, prohibition of open grazing, and structured livestock management support.
They also called for a robust humanitarian response by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and international donors to provide food, shelter, and psychosocial care for displaced persons now living in dire conditions.
“As a people united by a common identity and as an organisation driven by the ethos of justice and human dignity, the National Association of Seadogs demands a definitive end to the bloodletting. We require leadership, not platitudes. We demand accountability, not blame games. We demand action, not condolence letters,” the statement concluded.
“To the grieving people of Benue, we send our heartfelt condolences and unyielding solidarity. Your pain is our pain. Your struggle is our cause.”
— Cap’n Dr. Joseph Oteri, National Association of Seadogs (Pyrates Confraternity)
17th June 2025