President Bola Tinubu has directed the nation’s service chiefs and the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to pursue and apprehend those responsible for the brutal killings in Benue State, which left many dead and others seriously wounded.
Tinubu gave the order on Wednesday during a visit to the state, following a series of renewed attacks in the North-Central region.
“Police, your officers must stay alert and act on intelligence. Why has no one been arrested yet? I expect the culprits to be brought to justice,” Tinubu said at the Benue Government House in Makurdi during a stakeholders’ meeting.
He addressed the Chief of Defence Staff and other top security heads, urging them to intensify efforts. “Christopher, I’ve heard your words, but you must persist. Oloyede, Air Marshal, we appreciate your efforts, but we need results. DG NIA and DG SSS, strengthen your intelligence gathering—we must prevent this from happening again.”
Gunmen Strike Yelwata
Suspected herdsmen attacked Yelwata community in Guma Local Government Area last week, killing several residents and displacing thousands. The atrocity drew nationwide condemnation and sparked protests across parts of the state.
Political figures such as Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar openly criticised the attacks and demanded government intervention. Pope Leo XIV also decried the violence, calling it a “terrible massacre.”
Tinubu Calls For Reconciliation
On Sunday, Tinubu instructed Governor Hyacinth Alia to initiate a reconciliation dialogue among the warring factions. Reiterating this on Wednesday, he urged unity among ethnic groups in Benue.
“As Nigerians, we are all part of one household. Whether Tiv, Idoma or Yoruba, let us unite and confront our common enemies. We must stop fighting each other,” he said in the presence of dignitaries including Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje, traditional rulers, governors, and others.
“We can transform this tragedy into economic growth. Human life is more valuable than cattle,” he said, calling for cooperation and mutual understanding.
Leadership Committee Proposal
Tinubu also proposed forming a committee of past governors, traditional leaders, and stakeholders to tackle the underlying issues in Benue.
“I want us to form this leadership committee now. We’ll meet in Abuja to define the path to lasting peace. I am ready to invest in that peace,” he declared.
He also appealed for voluntary blood donations to help injured victims. “Governor, please call on citizens to donate blood to hospitals,” he added after visiting the wounded.
Governor Alia Advocates State Police
Governor Alia called for the creation of state police and a special intervention fund for affected communities, stressing the importance of community policing despite its challenges.
Traditional Ruler: It’s a Genocidal Campaign
Tor Tiv V and Chairman of the Benue Traditional Council, James Ayatse, said the attacks were not mere clashes but a planned genocidal assault.
“This is not about farmers and herders, communal disputes, or reprisals. This is a well-orchestrated campaign of land-grabbing and extermination by herder-terrorists. Misdiagnosing the crisis leads to ineffective solutions,” he warned.
Ayatse urged the federal government to acknowledge the severity of the situation and act accordingly.