IGP Visits Benue, Mobilizes More Police to Curb Violence
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has arrived in Benue State and directed the immediate deployment of more tactical units in response to a series of deadly attacks that have claimed numerous lives.
The Nigeria Police Force confirmed his arrival in a short statement posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday, stating: “IGP arrives Benue, orders for additional deployment of tactical teams.”
This action comes amid growing public anger and intense social media pressure on the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency in Benue, following a two-day killing spree allegedly carried out by suspected herders.
Earlier reports confirmed the deaths of at least 45 individuals in Guma Local Government Area, though local sources fear the actual number may exceed 200, with some accounts describing entire families burned alive and security personnel among the casualties.
The federal government has faced widespread criticism for its perceived silence on the Benue crisis, especially when compared to its rapid intervention during the political turmoil in Rivers State in March, where a state of emergency was declared despite no recorded deaths.
