President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday visited Benue State, the scene of repeated deadly attacks by suspected herdsmen, and directed security agencies to immediately apprehend those responsible.
During the visit, the President toured the Yelewata community, where over 200 residents were reportedly killed in recent attacks.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting in Makurdi, the state capital, Tinubu vowed to find a lasting solution to the security crisis in Benue and called for swift action from the security agencies.
He specifically instructed the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, and the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, to ensure the immediate arrest of the perpetrators behind the killings in Yelewata.
“How come no one has been arrested for committing this heinous crime in Yelewata?” the President asked. “Inspector General of Police, where are the arrests? The criminals must be arrested immediately.”
Tinubu also tasked the heads of the Department of State Services (DSS) and the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) to intensify surveillance and provide actionable intelligence to aid the capture of the attackers. He urged General Musa to strengthen collaboration between security forces and local communities.
Appealing for urgent intervention, the Chairman of the Benue State Traditional Council, Tor Tiv, Orchivirigh Prof. James Ayatse, expressed deep concern over the worsening security situation in the state, describing it as a genocidal land-grabbing campaign.
“Your Excellency, this is not about herder-farmer clashes or communal skirmishes,” the Tor Tiv said. “What we are facing in Benue is a calculated, well-planned, full-scale genocidal invasion and land-grabbing campaign by herder-terrorists and bandits.”
He warned that mischaracterizing the crisis had led to weak responses and accused some political actors of exploiting the situation.
“We hear that some politicians would rather see the crisis escalate, hoping it could justify a state of emergency. That is unfortunate. Any politician who prays for more deaths to advance such an agenda is working against the people of Benue State.”
The traditional ruler called on the President to restore peace and enable farmers to return to their lands.
“All we ask is that you stop our weeping. Give us peace in Benue so our people—mostly farmers—can return to their farms and continue feeding the nation,” he added.
Governor Hyacinth Alia, in his remarks, urged the Federal Government to establish a Special Intervention Fund for communities affected by the incessant attacks.
“While we continue to mourn and rebuild from the ashes, we appeal for a special intervention fund to support displaced persons, rebuild homes and infrastructure, and restore livelihoods,” the Governor said.
He reaffirmed his support for the establishment of state police as a long-term measure to tackle insecurity and pledged his administration’s commitment to building a safe and prosperous Benue.
Also present at the meeting were the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; traditional rulers; former governors of the state; and the governors of Kwara, Imo, Kogi, Plateau, Ondo, and Nasarawa States.
