In a significant move to address the ongoing security crisis in Benue State, President Bola Tinubu has directed the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, to expedite the arrest of those responsible for the brutal killings of over 100 individuals in the Yelewata community. The President made this announcement during a stakeholders meeting at the Government House in Makurdi, which included prominent figures such as the Secretary to the Federal Government, George Akume, traditional rulers, and former governors of the state.
During his address, President Tinubu expressed urgency regarding the lack of arrests in the aftermath of the heinous crime, questioning, “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.”
He urged the heads of the Department of State Services (DSS) and the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) to intensify their efforts in surveillance and intelligence gathering to apprehend the culprits. The President highlighted the need for vigilance and collaboration between community members and security forces, stressing the importance of stakeholder involvement for the governance of peace and progress.
To foster dialogue and cooperation, President Tinubu advised Governor Hyacinth Alia to establish a peace committee, comprising former governors, elders, traditional rulers, federal officials, and non-indigenes residing in the state. “Let us meet again in Abuja. Let’s fashion out a framework for lasting peace. I am ready to invest in that peace. We will convert this tragedy into prosperity,” he affirmed.
Additionally, the President called on the Governor to allocate land for ranching initiatives and directed the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security to follow up on this matter. He emphasized the critical need for peace as a foundation for sustainable development, reminding everyone of the value of human life. “The value of human life is greater than that of a cow. We were elected to govern, not to bury people,” he stated passionately.
President Tinubu encouraged blood donations to support those injured in the violent attacks, and he reiterated the necessity for Governor Alia to collaborate with the federal government in restoring peace within Benue State. “You are not elected to bury people or comfort widows and orphans. We will work with you to achieve that peace,” he emphasized.
In response, Governor Alia made an appeal for the establishment of a Special Intervention Fund from the Federal Government to support communities affected by recurrent violence. He highlighted the need for assistance in rehabilitating displaced individuals, reconstructing infrastructure, and restoring livelihoods, particularly for farmers.
Addressing the meeting, the Chairman of the Benue State Traditional Council, Tor Tiv, Orchivirigh Prof. James Ayatse, commended President Tinubu for being the first sitting president to personally visit victims at a hospital following such a tragedy. He added that the ongoing insecurity in the state is rooted in a calculated invasion and land-grabbing campaign rather than mere herder-farmer conflicts.
He urged the President to take decisive action to bring peace to Benue, allowing farmers to return to their land and resume food production for the nation. “All we ask of you, sir, is to stop our weeping. Give us peace in Benue State,” he pleaded.