BY OUR CORRESPONDENTS – President Bola Tinubu has ordered the security agencies to immediately smoke out perpetrators of the recent bloodletting in Benue State, describing the killings as inhuman and anti-progress
This is as hundreds of youths in Benue State, yesterday, blocked major roads to protest the continuous attacks, killings, and displacement of people in the state by suspected armed herders.
On Saturday, reports had emerged that no fewer than 200 men, women, children and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), were killed by the rampaging armed men in Yeluwata community, Guma Local Government Area of the State
Angered by the unfortunate development, the youths blocked the Lafia-Makurdi highway, even as the protest continued Sunday morning in Makurdi with police firing teargas to disperse the gathering.
But in a statement via his official X handle on Sunday night, President Tinubu also tasked Governor Hyacinth Alia to convene reconciliation meetings and initiating dialogue among stakeholders to end the violence and foster peaceful co-existence between farmers, herders, and local communities.
The statement reads: “I have been briefed on the senseless bloodletting in Benue State.
“The latest news of wanton killings in Benue State is very depressing. We must not allow this bloodletting to continue unabated. Enough is enough!
“I have directed the security agencies to act decisively, arrest perpetrators of these evil acts on all sides of the conflict, and prosecute them.
“Political and community leaders in Benue State must act responsibly and avoid inflammatory utterances that could further increase tensions and killings.
“This is the time for Governor Alia to act as a statesman and immediately lead the process of dialogue and reconciliation that will bring peace to Benue.
“Our people must live in peace, and it is possible when leaders across the divides work together in harmony and differences are identified and addressed with fairness, openness and justice.”
Youth Protest Killings
Reports said that on Saturday, thousands of youths stormed the popular Wurukum Roadabout in Makurdi, the Benue capital, urging the Federal Government to protect all citizens by performing its constitutional responsibility of securing lives and property across the nation.
Also challenging security agencies to redouble their efforts to ensure that all displaced people return to their ancestral homes and continue with their normal lives, the protesters rebuffed attempts by the State Deputy Governor, Dr. Sam Ode to address them and calm frayed nerves.
However, reports indicated it was the timely intervention of Martins Otse, popularly called VeryDarkMan (VDM) that prevailed on the angry Benue youths to end their protest and be more civil in engaging the government on the best way forward.
Gov Alia Condemns Fresh Killings
In his reaction, Governor Hyacinth Alia condemned the latest attack, maintaining that nothing should warrant the taking of innocent lives.
A statement by his Chief Press Secretary quoted Governor Alia as saying the State government was consistently engaging with federal security agencies, traditional rulers, community leaders, and relevant stakeholders to strengthen security interventions and provide lasting solutions to these persistent attacks.
He further said; “The state’s joint operations units are also being strengthened, and the government will not relent in its utmost commitment to defending the lives and properties of all residents.
“In the spirit of peace and unity, we call on religious, traditional, and political leaders across the state to sensitise and guide the youths under their influence against unlawful gatherings or confrontations that may spiral out of control”.
IGP Egbetokun Takes Over Security
Meanwhile, amid the escalating tension, the State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Emenari Ifeanyi, disclosed that the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr Kayode Egbetokun, has taken over the security of the state.
According to him, the IGP has already deployed special forces to the State to end the attacks and killings, adding; “What you saw happening in Yelewata yesterday is because we have taken over Apa, Gwer West, and are moving seriously in Agatu.
“They just want to do something to show that they are in control while they are not and will never be. We are feeling more pains than you. We are here to protect lives and property. We have security everywhere now, even in Yelwata there are tactical teams in the bush even before the attack.”
Offering further insight on the current operation, the Police boss said; “Give the special forces and tactical teams a room to work. If you prolong your stay here, you are giving the enemies more time to plan.
“We have intelligence reports of their movement, and we are blocking them, and you will see the end result.”
