President Bola Tinubu has issued a renewed and urgent directive to security chiefs, demanding swift and decisive action to end the spiralling violence in Benue State.
In response to fresh reprisal attacks that have left scores dead, the president has mobilised top intelligence officials, military personnel, and police forces to take control of security operations across the crisis-hit region.
The presidency spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday.
“Enough is enough,” Tinubu declared, describing the persistent bloodshed as “inhuman and anti-progress.” He stressed that those behind the killings, regardless of their affiliations must be arrested and prosecuted without delay, the statement reads.
The president also placed responsibility on Governor Hyacinth Alia to urgently lead peace and reconciliation efforts. He urged the state government to host inclusive dialogue sessions aimed at bridging deep-rooted divisions between farmers, herders, and local communities.
“Governor Alia must act as a statesman,” Tinubu said, “and rally all sides to seek lasting peace built on fairness, openness, and justice.”
Also, Tinubu did not mince words in warning political and community leaders against inflammatory rhetoric. He blamed irresponsible statements and provocation for fuelling the ongoing crisis and called on all stakeholders to prioritise unity over division.
“This is not a time for finger-pointing or fanning the flames,” the president emphasised. “We must rise above our differences and protect the lives and livelihoods of our citizens”, the statement added.
Following Tinubu’s directive, security chiefs have landed in Benue to oversee operations, restore order, and begin the painstaking task of rebuilding trust in a region long scarred by conflict.
