President Bola Tinubu has dispatched security chiefs to Benue State and ordered immediate restoration of peace in Benue State following renewed violent attacks that have claimed multiple lives in the state.
Speaking through his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu expressed concern over the latest round of reprisal killings and directed security chiefs, including intelligence agencies, the police, and the military, to take charge of operations in the state to restore calm.
Describing the killings as “inhuman and anti-progress,” Tinubu said the ongoing bloodshed must not continue unabated.
“Enough is now enough,” he declared.
“This is the time for Governor Alia to act as a statesman and immediately lead the process of dialogue and reconciliation that will bring peace to Benue. Our people must live in peace, and it is possible when leaders across the divides work together in harmony and differences are identified and addressed with fairness, openness and justice.”
He added, “Political and community leaders in Benue State must act responsibly and avoid inflammatory utterances that could further increase tensions and killings.”
Benue Youth Protest Killings
Meanwhile, hundreds of youths in Benue on Sunday took to the streets to protest the continuous attacks, killings, and displacement of people in the state.
The protest followed the killing of scores at Yelwata community in Guma Local Government Area on Friday night.
The protesters who converged at the Wurukum Roundabout in Makurdi called on the Federal Government to live up to its responsibility, which is to protect all the citizens within its sovereignty.
They also urged security agencies to redouble their efforts to ensure that all displaced people return to their ancestral homes and continue with their normal lives.
Speaking to newsmen, Mr Brahms Ikuan said the state was under siege for a long time and there were not sufficient efforts for the government to address the menace.
Ikuan regretted that even when they had useful information about the movement of the attackers and reports to authorities, nothing was still done to avert the attacks.
He further accused the authorities of maintaining a conspiratorial silence on the ongoing genocide, adding that Benue may cease to exist if urgent steps are not taken to end the killings.
“We cried, sent messages and opened letters, but nobody listened to us. Nobody came to our aid. At this moment we are not sure if there will be any place called Benue tomorrow.
“Despite the attacks and killings in Yelwata yesterday, up till now, no word from the government or any prominent person. They have abandoned us.
“We want the world to know that Benue is being wiped out on the face of the earth and nobody cares about what is happening,” he said.
Also, Mr Gideon Inyom accused the government of giving the herders unfettered access into the Benue communities by relaxing the state anti-open grazing law.
Inyom said all they wanted was security of lives and property, adding that such was the primary responsibility of every government worldwide.
However, the State Commissioner of Police, Mr Emenari Ifeanyi, told newsmen at the scene that the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr Kayode Egbetokun, has taken over the security of the state.
Ifeanyi said that the IGP has already deployed special forces to the state to end the attacks and killings.
The CP added that security agencies were on top of the situation and urged the youths and Benue people to give the new forces a chance.
“What you saw happening in Yelewata yesterday is because we have taken over Apa, Gwer West, and are moving seriously in Agatu. They just want to do something to show that they are in control while they are not and will never be.
“We are feeling more pain than you. We are here to protect lives and property. We have security everywhere now; even in Yelwata there are tactical teams in the bush even before the attack.
“Give the special forces and tactical teams a room to work. If you prolong your stay here, you are giving the enemies more time to plan.
“We have intelligence reports of their movement, and we are blocking them, and you will see the end result,” he said.
Ifeanyi further disclosed that Gov. Hyacinth Alia has given them all the logistics support needed to restore peace in Benue. A military helicopter was reportedly spotted in the sky at Wurukum Roundabout as the protest against herdsmen killings intensified. The protesters turned down the Deputy Governor Dr Sam Ode’s request to address them.
Governor Alia on Sunday confirmed that a combined team of tactical and response squads has started arriving in the state to address the ongoing security challenges.
Alia made the disclosure in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Tersoo Kula, and made available to newsmen in Makurdi.
The governor said the special forces and additional security deployments were for vulnerable areas.
He strongly condemned the attacks and massacre of innocent citizens at Yelwata by suspected criminal herders.
“I acknowledge and share in your pains and grief caused by these attacks on the community by criminal elements suspected to be armed herdsmen.
“The state government is consistently engaging with federal security agencies, traditional rulers, community leaders, and relevant stakeholders to strengthen security interventions and provide lasting solutions to these persistent attacks.
“We assure citizens that more tactical teams have started arriving in Benue from the Federal Government, and additional security deployments are being arranged for vulnerable areas.
“Response squad teams are also deployed and will be in Benue from Sunday; strategic community dialogues are ongoing to enhance active intelligence sharing.
“The state’s joint operations units are also being strengthened, and the government will not relent in its utmost commitment to defending the lives and properties of all residents,” he added.
Alia further called on religious, traditional and political leaders across the state to sensitise and guide the youths under their influence against unlawful gatherings or confrontations that may spiral out of control.
The governor appealed to the public to make use of official communication channels to report any suspicious activities and to stay informed through credible sources.
The governor said that the state government remained committed to justice, peace, and security for all. He assured the people that he would not rest on his oars to ensure that total peace is achieved in the state.
