Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu has directed the country’s military leaders and the Inspector General of Police to apprehend those responsible for the brutal attack in Benue State, which left hundreds dead and many others injured.
Tinubu gave this directive on Wednesday during his trip to Benue State, following the renewed violence in the North-Central region.
“Police, I hope your men are on alert to listen to information. How come no arrest has been made? I expect there should be an arrest of those criminals,” Tinubu said at the Benue Government House in Makurdi, the capital, during a stakeholders meeting.
Armed assailants, believed to be herders, attacked the Yelwata community of the agricultural state last week, causing many deaths and displacing thousands of residents. The incident incited widespread national outrage and led to protests in various regions of the state.
Opposition leaders strongly condemned the violent attacks, urging Tinubu and law enforcement agencies to tackle the situation. Pope Leo XIV also called for an end to the violence, labelling it a “terrible massacre.”
On Sunday, Tinubu urged Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State to host a reconciliation meeting and dialogue with the conflicting groups to help end the bloodshed and restore peace to the area.
During his visit to the state on Wednesday, Tinubu reiterated the importance of tolerance and dialogue among the various parties involved in the North-Central state. He also advocated for creating a committee of former governors, traditional leaders, and other key stakeholders to assist in finding enduring solutions to the persistent challenges facing Benue State.
“Let’s create that synergy for peace, development, and prosperity. We are here to govern, not to bury. We are here to raise families, not to lose some, and provide healthcare, water for them to drink, and food [for them] to eat.” He said
Tinubu stated that Benue State deserves to experience peace and is calling on Nigerians to contribute blood donations for the injured victims of the recent surge in violence.
While in the state, the president visited the hospital to meet with those recovering from the attacks.
