President Bola Tinubu issued a stern directive to security agencies on Wednesday, demanding the immediate arrest of perpetrators behind the recent killings in Benue State that left over 100 dead in Guma Local Government Area. The President’s tough stance came during an emergency security meeting at Benue State Government House in Makurdi.
“How come no one has been arrested for committing this heinous crime in Yelewata? Inspector General of Police, where are the arrests? The criminals must be arrested immediately,” Tinubu charged, singling out Police IG Kayode Egbetokun for the lack of progress in investigations.
The President ordered the DSS and NIA to ramp up intelligence gathering while instructing Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa to strengthen military-community collaboration. His visit included a sobering hospital visit where he appealed for blood donations to treat the wounded.
“I wanted to come here to commission projects, to reassure you of hope and prosperity, not to see gloomy faces. But peace is vital to development,” Tinubu told attendees, emphasizing that “the value of human life is greater than that of a cow.”
The President delivered a pointed message to Governor Hyacinth Alia: “You were elected under the progressive banner to ensure peace, stability, and progress. You are not elected to bury people or comfort widows and orphans.”
Governor Alia used the platform to request a Federal Special Intervention Fund for attack-ravaged communities, stressing the need to rehabilitate displaced farmers and rebuild destroyed infrastructure. He reiterated his support for state police as a lasting security solution.
Tor Tiv, Prof. James Ayatse, provided historical context, disputing common narratives: “What we are dealing with here is a calculated, well-planned, full-scale genocidal invasion and land-grabbing campaign.” The traditional ruler accused some politicians of exploiting the crisis, alleging that “some would prefer it worsens to justify a state of emergency.”
The high-profile meeting brought together six state governors, former Benue leaders, and federal officials including SGF George Akume. Tinubu’s personal hospital visit marked an unprecedented presidential response to communal violence in the state.
As security agencies scramble to execute the President’s arrest orders, Benue residents await concrete action to end what has become a protracted cycle of bloodshed in Nigeria’s agricultural heartland.
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