President Bola Tinubu has ordered security chiefs to immediately arrest those behind the killing of over 100 people in Yelewata community in Benue.
Tinubu issued the directive on Wednesday while addressing stakeholders at the Government House, Makurdi.
A statement by the President’s spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga, said the meeting involved the SGF, George Akume, traditional rulers, and former Benue governors.
Governors of Kwara, Imo, Kogi, Plateau, Ondo, and Nasarawa states were also present at the meeting in Makurdi.
Tinubu specifically instructed the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and Chief of Defence Staff, Christopher Musa, to take immediate action.
He questioned the IGP on why arrests have not been made, demanding urgent action over the heinous killings in Yelewata.
“Why has no one been arrested for this crime? Inspector-General, where are the arrests? The criminals must be caught,” Tinubu said.
He urged the DSS and NIA to step up surveillance and provide intelligence to help track the attackers.
The President also asked the CDS to ensure closer cooperation between security forces and local communities.
He advised Gov. Hyacinth Alia to prioritize stakeholder engagement for peace and progress in the state.
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Tinubu asked Alia to set up a peace committee with ex-governors, elders, traditional rulers, and non-indigenes.
“Let’s meet again in Abuja to design a peace framework. I am willing to invest in lasting peace.
“We will find peace and transform this tragedy into prosperity,” he said.
Tinubu urged the governor to allocate land for ranching and directed the Agriculture Minister to follow up.
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He called for blood donations for victims receiving treatment at Benue Teaching Hospital, which he had visited earlier.
Emphasizing peace for development, Tinubu said the reason for his visit should not have been tragic.
“I wanted to commission projects, not see grief. But peace is crucial for development,” he noted.
He said human life is more valuable than cattle and stressed the need for responsible governance.
“We are elected to govern and serve—not to bury our people,” he stated.
Tinubu urged Governor Alia to work with the Federal Government to restore peace in Benue.
“Governor Alia, you are elected to bring peace and progress — not to comfort the bereaved.
“We will work with you. You must also work with us to ensure peace,” Tinubu stated.
He acknowledged political opposition but reaffirmed his commitment to democracy and prosperity for all Nigerians.
“They may hate me. But I’m still here, your President, committed to protecting all citizens,” he said.
In response, Governor Alia appealed for a Federal Government Special Intervention Fund for affected communities.
“While we mourn and rebuild, we urge the Federal Government to establish a special fund for affected areas,” Alia said.
He said the fund would help rebuild homes, restore livelihoods, and support displaced people, especially farmers.
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Alia also expressed strong support for the creation of state police to tackle insecurity.
He pledged full commitment to ensuring a peaceful, stable, and prosperous Benue.
Tor Tiv, Prof James Ayatse, also praised President Tinubu for his visit and support.
The traditional ruler warned against misinformation, saying the conflict is rooted in deliberate land-grabbing campaigns.
“This is not herder-farmer conflict. It is a genocidal invasion and land-grabbing by terrorists,” the Tor Tiv said.
(NAN)
