Benue Killings: President Tinubu Toughens Stance on Security Chiefs
By Ayodele Fayemi, Lagos
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, during a one-day visit to Benue State, issued a stern warning to Nigeria’s security chiefs over their failure to apprehend perpetrators of the recent massacre in the Yelewata community, where 147 people were killed.
In a high-level stakeholders’ meeting held at the Government House in Makurdi, the President expressed deep frustration, questioning the lack of arrests despite the scale of the atrocities. Turning directly to the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, Tinubu asked, “How come no one has been arrested for this heinous crime in Yelewata? Where are the arrests? These criminals must be apprehended immediately.”
The President also directed the Department of State Services (DSS) and the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) to intensify intelligence gathering, strengthen surveillance, and collaborate with local communities to track down those responsible.
Tinubu vowed to keep the security agencies under pressure until peace is restored, and justice is served. He emphasized that the killings must end and that all those involved must be brought to justice.
His visit followed the latest in a string of brutal attacks that have plagued Benue communities this year, with more than 500 people reported killed since January. During the visit, President Tinubu also visited victims of the Yelewata massacre who are receiving treatment in hospital.
Present at the Makurdi meeting were top security officials, traditional rulers, and political leaders, including the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, and governors from Kwara, Imo, Kogi, Plateau, Ondo, and Nasarawa states.
The Tor Tiv, Prof. James Ayatse, described the crisis as a “coordinated genocidal invasion” by armed herders and urged the President to take swift and decisive action. He warned that the attackers were not only targeting lives but were also engaged in land-grabbing operations, similar to those reported in Plateau State.
Governor Hyacinth Alia reiterated his call for the establishment of state police and appealed for a special intervention fund from the Federal Government to manage the growing humanitarian crisis.
President Tinubu, in his remarks, expressed his desire to visit Benue under better circumstances. “I had hoped to come here to commission projects and deliver hope—not to witness grief and sorrow,” he said. “But peace is essential for development. The value of human life surpasses that of cattle. We were elected to lead, not to bury the people we serve.”
He reaffirmed his commitment to working with Governor Alia and other stakeholders to achieve lasting peace. “Governor Alia, you were elected on the platform of progress—to bring peace and prosperity, not to comfort widows and orphans,” Tinubu said. “We will support you in achieving that peace, but you must also partner with us.”
Addressing the political challenges leaders face, Tinubu added, “Not everyone will like you—many people hate me too. Yet, here I am, still your President. Leadership means protecting democracy and prosperity, even for those who oppose or criticize you.”
President Tinubu concluded by proposing a follow-up meeting in Abuja to develop a comprehensive peace framework for Benue and similar conflict-prone regions, affirming, “We will turn this tragedy into an opportunity for prosperity. I am ready to invest in peace.”
We need intervention fund, state police, says Alia
Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for visiting the state amidst ongoing attacks, and called on the Federal Government to establish a Special Federal Intervention Fund to support communities devastated by persistent violence.
Speaking during the President’s visit, Governor Alia explained that such a fund would help victims rebuild their lives and restore destroyed infrastructure. “While we continue to mourn and rebuild from the ashes of pain, we humbly urge the Federal Government to consider establishing a special intervention fund for communities affected by these incessant attacks in Benue,” he stated.
He acknowledged the implementation concerns surrounding such a fund but suggested that the Federal Government could address them by putting in place clear, state-specific guidelines and regulatory mechanisms to prevent misuse.
Reaffirming his stance on long-term security solutions, Alia reiterated his support for the establishment of state police, describing it as a necessary step to address Nigeria’s deepening security crisis. He also restated his commitment to building a peaceful and prosperous Benue.
Also speaking at the event, Tor Tiv and Chairman of the Benue State Council of Traditional Rulers, Prof. James Ayatse, commended President Tinubu for showing empathy by visiting victims of the recent violence. He also appreciated the President for including Benue indigenes like Senator George Akume and Professor Joseph Utsev in key roles within his administration.
However, the Tor Tiv strongly criticised the widespread misrepresentation of the Benue conflict as merely “herder-farmer clashes” or “communal disputes,” warning that such descriptions conceal the true nature and scale of the crisis. “Your Excellency, what we are facing is not a farmer-herder conflict, communal clash, or reprisal attack. It is a well-planned, calculated, and full-scale genocidal invasion and land-grabbing campaign carried out by terrorist herders and armed bandits,” he stated.
He cautioned that misdiagnosing the crisis leads to ineffective solutions. “Wrong diagnosis always leads to wrong treatment. What we face is not about tolerance or negotiation; it is war,” the monarch stressed.
Prof. Ayatse extended his concerns to Tiv communities in Nasarawa State, noting that they, too, have been forcefully displaced and falsely labeled as settlers. “These people have lived in Nasarawa long before the 18th century. They cannot be called settlers. They must be allowed to return to their ancestral homes,” he said.
He decried the political manipulation of the conflict, claiming that some politicians prefer the violence to continue in order to justify extreme measures such as the declaration of a state of emergency. “This is unfortunate,” he said.
The Tor Tiv appealed directly to President Tinubu to take decisive action, stressing Benue’s historical contributions to Nigeria’s unity. “Your Excellency, Benue State has made significant sacrifices to keep Nigeria united. Many of our people died during the civil war. Why then are we subjected to such treatment?”
“What you have come to condole today is just one in a series of many massacres. We appeal to you to stop the genocide and restore peace not only in Benue but across Nigeria,” he added.
Highlighting the consequences of the violence, Prof. Ayatse lamented that widespread displacement has created severe food insecurity. “Our farmers have been chased away from their lands. There is hunger and a growing food crisis. All we ask is for peace—so our people can return to their farms and resume food production,” he said.
Concluding his remarks, the Tor Tiv made a heartfelt plea: “We are asking you, Mr. President, to end our suffering. Save Benue from extinction. Give us peace, so our farmers can return to their fields and continue feeding the nation.”
Massive Crowd Welcomes President Tinubu to Makurdi Despite Rain
Despite a heavy downpour in the morning, hundreds of residents lined the streets of Makurdi to welcome President Bola Tinubu to the Benue State capital.
Undeterred by the rain, enthusiastic citizens positioned themselves strategically along the roadside, waving and cheering as the presidential convoy passed by.
In a show of excitement, a group of motorcycle riders (Okada riders) followed the convoy, singing in celebration.
The President’s motorcade proceeded directly to the Government House, where a scheduled town hall meeting was held.
