President Bola Tinubu has instructed security chiefs to enforce his earlier directive aimed at restoring lasting peace and security in Benue State, according to his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga.
In a statement, Onanuga revealed that Tinubu renewed his order following the recent reprisal attacks, which led to the deaths of dozens. Governor Hyacinth Alia confirmed on Sunday that 59 people were killed in Yelewata, a border town attacked by suspected herdsmen from Nasarawa State.
Alia, while addressing journalists at Government House, explained that security agencies conducted a physical headcount in collaboration with families of the deceased.
Responding to the killings, President Tinubu tasked Governor Alia with initiating dialogue and reconciliation efforts among the warring factions to end the persistent bloodshed and foster peaceful coexistence among farmers, herders, and communities.
“On the President’s instructions, intelligence officers, police, and military personnel have arrived in the state to take charge of security operations and restore order,” Onanuga stated.
Tinubu condemned the violence, describing the killings as inhuman and anti-development. He urged political and community leaders in conflict-prone areas to refrain from provocative statements that could escalate tensions.
“The latest reports of senseless killings in Benue are deeply disturbing. We must not allow this bloodshed to continue unchecked. Enough is enough,” the President declared.
He directed security agencies to take firm action, arrest all perpetrators regardless of affiliation, and prosecute them accordingly.
Tinubu also called on leaders in Benue to act responsibly. “This is the moment for Governor Alia to rise to the challenge and lead a genuine process of dialogue and reconciliation,” he said. “Our people can and must live in peace. That can only happen when leaders across divides work together with fairness, transparency, and justice.”