Following a surge in deadly gunmen attacks across Benue State, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has arrived in the state and ordered the deployment of additional police personnel to reinforce security and restore order in the troubled areas.
Egbetokun’s visit comes in response to a tragic incident in Yelewata community, Guma Local Government Area, where nearly 200 people were reportedly killed by suspected herdsmen.
His presence, aimed at assessing the security situation firsthand and coordinating a more strategic response with state authorities, follows national outcry demanding justice for the massacre.
Upon his arrival in the state, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, visited the Benue State Government House, where he commiserated with Governor Hyacinth Alia.
The governor expressed relief and appreciation for the IGP’s visit, as well as for the sustained deployment of personnel and tactical assets both in the past and currently.
During their meeting, the IGP condemned the recent attacks, describing the killings as senseless and acts of terrorism.
He assured the governor that the Nigeria Police Force would spare no effort in addressing the crisis and bringing the perpetrators of the heinous attacks to justice.
The police chief accompanied by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, visited the affected community, where they assessed the extent of the destruction and held discussions with local leaders.
While addressing residents, Egbetokun expressed sympathy for the victims and reaffirmed the commitment of the Police Force to strengthening the existing security infrastructure in the state.
To further stabilize the region, the IGP ordered the immediate deployment of additional tactical teams and assets.
He also assigned Deputy Inspector-General Kwazhi Yakubu to oversee operations aimed at restoring peace and order in Benue State.
Finalizing his visit, the IGP addressed officers and men of the Benue State Command at the Officers’ Mess, located at the State Headquarters in Makurdi.
He commended their resilience in the face of ongoing security challenges and assured them of the Force’s commitment to improving their welfare and providing the necessary logistical support to enhance their operations in the state.
According to reports, several families were burnt alive during the attack, allegedly carried out by suspected Fulani herdsmen, with some security personnel also counted among the victims.
The scale of the killings have triggered widespread outrage across the country, prompting a response from President Bola Tinubu, who condemned the attacks and called for urgent action.
President Bola Tinubu, in a statement issued yesterday, directed the state governor, to act as a statesman and immediately lead a process of dialogue and reconciliation to restore peace in Benue.
Tinubu also instructed security agencies to take decisive action by arresting and prosecuting all perpetrators, regardless of their affiliations.
“Enough is enough! I have directed the security agencies to act decisively, arrest perpetrators of these evil acts on all sides of the conflict, and prosecute them,” the president said.
“Political and community leaders in Benue State must act responsibly and avoid inflammatory utterances that could further increase tensions and killings.
Our people must live in peace, and it is possible when leaders across the divides work together in harmony and differences are addressed with fairness, openness, and justice,” he added.
Benue State has witnessed repeated attacks in recent months, with the Yelewata massacre being one of the deadliest.
The escalating wave of violence has displaced thousands of residents from their homes, forcing families to flee into neighboring towns and makeshift camps in search of safety.
Amid the growing insecurity, citizens have called on the president to impose a state of emergency in Benue to curb further bloodshed and restore peace.
