President Tinubu addressing stakeholders at Government House Makurdi. Photo credit: State House. Photo credit: State House.
By DAVID IORJA, Abuja –
President Bola Tinubu has directed security chiefs to immediately arrest those behind the killing of over 100 people in Yelewata community, Benue State.
President Bola Tinubu issued the directive while addressing stakeholders at the Government House, Makurdi, on Wednesday.
The President specifically instructed the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and the Chief of Defence Staff, Christopher Musa, to take immediate action.
“Why has no one been arrested for this crime? Inspector-General, where are the arrests? The criminals must be caught,” Tinubu said, expressing frustration over the lack of progress in investigating the attack.
He also urged the Department of State Services (DSS) and National Intelligence Agency (NIA) to step up surveillance and provide intelligence to help track the attackers.
Tinubu asked Governor Hyacinth Alia to prioritize stakeholder engagement for peace and progress in the state and to set up a peace committee with ex-governors, elders, traditional rulers, and non-indigenes.
“We will find peace and transform this tragedy into prosperity,” Tinubu was quoted as saying in a statement by his media aide, Bayo Onanuga.
He emphasized the need for peace and development in Benue State. He directed the Agriculture Minister to follow up on the allocation of land for ranching, a move aimed at reducing conflicts between farmers and herders.
The President also called for blood donations for victims receiving treatment at Benue Teaching Hospital, which he had visited earlier. Tinubu stressed the importance of responsible governance, saying, “We are elected to govern and serve—not to bury our people.”
Governor Alia appealed for a Federal Government Special Intervention Fund for affected communities, saying it would help rebuild homes, restore livelihoods, and support displaced people, especially farmers. The Tor Tiv, Prof James Ayatse, praised President Tinubu for his visit and support, describing the conflict as a “genocidal invasion and land-grabbing by terrorists.”
Tinubu’s visit to Benue State was initially intended to commission projects, but the tragic attack shifted the focus to addressing the security situation. “I wanted to commission projects, not see grief. But peace is crucial for development,” he noted, highlighting the importance of peace for progress.
