The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Disu, on Thursday visited Benue State, where he warned against unauthorised persons bearing arms.
The IGP, who spoke at a security stakeholders meeting held at the old banquet hall of Government House, described insecurity in the state as unacceptable and a source of “sleepless nights” for residents and security agencies.
The police boss, who described Benue as once a peaceful and hospitable state, lamented that the state has presently been overtaken by crisis.
According to him, the crisis had gone beyond farmer-herder clashes, stating that criminal gangs, kidnappers and political interests had worsened the situation.
The IGP condemned in totality the cycle of attacks and reprisals in the state, appealing that such must end.
He reiterated President Bola Tinubu’s directive that insecurity in the state would no longer be tolerated.
According to him, “We are tired of this issue of attack and retaliation. When you attack then you hear of retaliation.
“We are the only ones recognised to carry arms around. No other person is entitled to do that. You cannot move around freely carrying arms and think there’s no law and order in this country. This will not be tolerated.”
The IGP said security operatives have been directed to apprehend any unauthorised persons bearing firearms, adding that police officers had been directed to act decisively under Force Order 237 when confronted by armed criminals.
While speaking, Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, described the IGP’s visit as timely and a demonstration of the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to tackling insecurity through community policing and collaboration with state governments.
Governor Alia regretted that attacks on communities in the state had resulted in the loss of many lives, disruption of farming activities and a threat to national food security.
He, however, said that his administration had strengthened inter-agency collaboration through regular Security Council meetings, intelligence sharing and coordinated operations, and would continue supporting security personnel and the families of fallen heroes.
