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Leaders from various tribal groups in Benue State have applauded President Donald Trump’s decision to authorize US air strikes against Islamic State militants in north-west Nigeria, hailing the action as a bold step in combating terrorism that has long plagued parts of the country.
In a statement highlighted by Vanguard News, the leadership commended Trump for initiating the strikes aimed at eliminating terrorist groups operating in the North West, where recent operations targeted ISIS camps in Sokoto State, resulting in the deaths of multiple militants. The strikes, announced by Trump on Christmas Day 2025, were described by the US president as a response to ongoing violence, particularly against Christian communities.
The Benue leaders expressed gratitude for the intervention, noting its potential to deter terrorist activities nationwide. However, they urged the expansion of such targeted operations to the North-East and North-Central zones, regions that have suffered prolonged attacks from groups like Boko Haram, ISWAP, and armed herdsmen, leading to significant loss of life, displacement, and destruction of farmlands.
Benue, often referred to as the Food Basket of the Nation and located in the North-Central region, has been at the epicenter of farmer-herder conflicts and militant incursions, with communities frequently targeted in deadly raids. The call for broader strikes reflects a growing frustration with persistent insecurity despite domestic efforts.
While the recent US action was coordinated with Nigerian authorities and focused on the North West, the praise from Benue underscores a broader hope among affected populations that international support could help restore peace and security across vulnerable areas. As reactions continue to pour in, the development highlights the complex interplay of local insecurity and global counter-terrorism efforts.
