Nigerian Afrobeats sensation Iyanya Onoyom Mbuk, popularly known as Iyanya, dedicated a heartfelt song to the victims of the ongoing herdsmen attacks in Benue State, Nigeria.
The release comes in the wake of a devastating massacre in Yelewata, Guma Local Government Area, where over 200 people were reportedly killed, drawing renewed national and international attention to the escalating violence in the region.
In the soulful track, Iyanya expresses deep condolences to the people of Benue, offering words of hope and prayers for divine intervention during what he describes as a “trying time” for the state and the nation.
The song, shared via a video on the social media platform X, serves as both a tribute to those who have lost loved ones and a call for resilience in the face of tragedy. Accompanying the video, Iyanya wrote, “We are praying for the people of Benue,” encapsulating the song’s message of solidarity and compassion.
I want to dedicate this song to all the people of Benue State. Iyanya said in the video. “It’s a trying time for the whole country because we all share your pain. I pray God comforts everybody who has lost a friend or brother, mother, father, or family member.
God will intervene.” The artist’s words resonate with a nation grappling with the recurring violence that has plagued Benue, often attributed to clashes between nomadic herdsmen and local farmers over land and resources.
The Yelewata massacre, one of the deadliest in recent years, has reignited calls for urgent government action to address the security crisis in Benue. The state, often referred to as Nigeria’s “food basket” due to its agricultural significance, has been a hotspot for such conflicts, with thousands displaced and entire communities devastated over the past decade.
The recent attack, which claimed over 200 lives, has left families shattered and heightened fears among residents about their safety. Iyanya’s song is a poignant blend of Afrobeats rhythms and somber lyrics, urging victims to hold fast to their faith despite the overwhelming grief. “God can turn their sorrows to joy,” he sings, offering a message of hope amid despair.
The release has sparked widespread reactions on social media, with fans and Nigerians commending the artist for using his platform to highlight the plight of Benue’s people.
This is not the first time Nigerian artists have used music as a medium to address social issues. Afrobeats, with its global reach, has increasingly become a vehicle for activism, with stars like Burna Boy, Wizkid, and now Iyanya addressing themes of injustice, unity, and resilience. Iyanya’s dedication is seen as a powerful gesture, amplifying the voices of a grieving community and calling for collective empathy.
The Afrobeats star’s tribute is a reminder of the power of art to heal and unite, even in the darkest of times. As Benue residents continue to navigate the aftermath of the Yelewata tragedy, Iyanya’s message of faith and solidarity offers a glimmer of hope, encouraging Nigerians to come together in support of those affected.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
Nigerian Afrobeats star Iyanya has dedicated a heartfelt song to the victims of the recent herdsmen attacks in Benue State, where over 200 people were killed in Yelewata, Guma Local Government Area.
