President Bola Tinubu has issued a firm directive to security chiefs to bring an immediate end to the persistent and devastating killings in Benue State, following the recent massacre of over 100 people in Yelwata, Guma Local Government Area. The President’s order was conveyed in a statement released by his spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, shortly after Pope Leo XIV publicly prayed for the victims of the “terrible massacre” in Benue.
In response to President Tinubu’s directive, intelligence chiefs and senior officials from the police and military have already arrived in Benue State to directly oversee security operations and work towards restoring stability and order in the affected areas. Meanwhile, protests continued in Makurdi, the state capital, with police using tear gas to disperse demonstrators.
Recognizing the importance of addressing the root causes of the conflict, President Tinubu also urged Governor Hyacinth Alia to take a proactive role in convening reconciliation meetings and facilitating open dialogue among the various parties involved in the conflict. The aim is to foster a lasting peace and promote harmonious coexistence between farmers, herders, and the diverse communities within Benue State.
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President Tinubu strongly condemned the ongoing violence as “inhuman and anti-progress,” emphasizing the urgent need to break the cycle of bloodshed. He also called upon political and community leaders in conflict zones to exercise restraint and refrain from making “unguarded utterances and statements that could further inflame tensions” and exacerbate the already volatile situation.
Furthermore, the President issued a clear order that those who engage in provocations and incite reprisal attacks must be restrained and held accountable for their actions. He reiterated that the continuous loss of life and the disruption of peace in Benue State are unacceptable and must be stopped immediately. “The latest news of wanton killings in Benue State is very depressing. We must not allow this bloodletting to continue unabated. Enough is now enough,” the President stated emphatically.
