In a bid to nip the security challenges facing the people of Benue state in the bud, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Monday, announced plans to visit the state.
This followed the recent tragic incidents that occurred in the state, resulting in the death of over 100 of the residents.
President Tinubu, who was initially billed for Kaduna state same day, would, during the visit, have first-hand information on the persistent conflict affecting communities in the state.
The Kaduna visit has now been rescheduled to Thursday, June, 19, 2025.
Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy Bayo Onanuga announced this Monday in a statement in Abuja.
He said: “The President’s visit aims to assess firsthand the recurring crisis that has claimed numerous lives and caused significant destruction.”
The statement said: “In preparation for the visit, President Tinubu has already dispatched the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the Inspector General of Police, heads of intelligence agencies, the National Security Adviser, and the Chairmen of the Senate and House Defence Committees to Benue State.
“The President is expected to hold a town hall meeting with all stakeholders during the visit.”
…IGP orders deployment of additional tactical teams
Also, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, accompanied by senior officers, Monday, arrived Benue state.
He was accompanied by some top Police chiefs, including Deputy Inspector-General (DIG) of Police in charge of Operations, DIG Yakubu Kwazhi, DIG in charge of the Department of Logistics & Supply, Adebola Ayinde Hamzat; Assistant Inspector-General (AIG) of Police Zone 4, Zachariah Fera, and the CP (SIS) Abayomi Shogunle.
Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, in a statement in Abuja, said the Police boss, upon arrival, visited the Government House Makurdi, where he commiserated with Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia.
He said the governor expressed delight at the IGP’s visit and the deployment of personnel and tactical assets over time.
According to the FHQ spokesperson, while discussing with the governor, IGP Egbetokun condemned the attacks, describing the killings as senseless and an act of terrorism.
The IGP assured and reassured the governor that the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) would do its best efforts to rein in the situation and bring perpetrators of the heinous and barbaric acts to justice.
Adejobi further stated that the IGP also seized the opportunity to visit the Yelwata community in Guma local government area of the state, where he inspected the damage done, and engaged the community leaders alongside the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa.
He noted that the IGP commiserated with the members of the community and reassured them of the NPF’s commitment to further augmenting the available security emplacement in the state.
“To this end, the IGP has directed the immediate deployment of additional tactical teams and assets, assigning the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Department of Operations, DIG Kwazhi Dali Yakubu, to take charge and oversee the operations aimed at restoring peace and serenity to Benue state,” the statement added.
The spokesperson disclosed that the IGP concluded his visit by addressing the officers and men of the state command at the Police Officers’ Mess located at the Command Headquarters, Makurdi.
“He assured them of adequate welfare and logistics support to challenge the ongoing hazards in the state.
“The NPF once again reaffirms its commitment, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to the good people of Benue state and the entire country. The Force remains resolute towards bringing the perpetrators of these attacks to justice and restoring peace to all affected communities,” Adejobi declared.
…CDS assures end to violence
In a related development, the Chief of Defense Staff, General Musa, pledged decisive action to bring an end to the orgy of violence.
The CDS, who also met the governor during the visit, said: “This is one killing too many,” emphasising the need for a strategic shift in tackling insecurity.
He announced plans to meet with his commanders to reassess their approach, stressing that security efforts must involve collaboration with the state government and local communities.
Acknowledging concerns about insider threats, the Defense Chief revealed that intelligence suggests targeted attacks and betrayals from within.
“If you see the pattern of killings and slaughtering, it means there is an insider,” he noted.
Musa further said, to address the situation, he would engage with the traditional rulers and clan heads, urging unity and trust-building efforts.
While assuring residents that this attack would be the last of its kind, the CDS promised that security measures which were already successful in other regions, would be implemented in the state.
“We will take the battle to them, not wait for them to attack,” he declared, revealing plans to pursue perpetrators who cross borders before launching assaults.
He called on Nigerians to support security efforts and urged the youth to stand firm against violence.
“This madness must stop,” he stated, reinforcing the military’s determination to end the cycle of violence.
…Akume too
In a similar assurance, Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume said the federal government had deployed additional troops to the state.
In a statement Monday in Abuja, Akume condemned the massacre and reaffirmed the government’s resolve to end the reign of madness.
“I express profound appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for his swift directive for a full security operation to rid Benue of these killers and bring the perpetrators to justice. It is to be noted also, that the federal government has rendered assistance through NEMA, while more troops have been deployed to Benue state to handle the explosive situation,” the statement said.
Expressing grief over the brutal killing of scores of innocent men, women, and children in the state, Akume described the incident as a wound to the nation.
“The continued bloodletting and mindless killings across Benue State are both disheartening and utterly condemnable. This latest reprehensible act, one among too many, is not merely a tragedy for Benue; it is a deep wound to the soul of our nation.
“These dastardly acts are not restricted to Benue State alone. Plateau and Zamfara states also suffer the same fate. These killings are economically deterministic, not religiously driven,” Akume added.
While calling on Benue leaders and stakeholders to set aside all differences and urgently unite to chart a sustainable path to peace, he said: “We must rise above division and act decisively to protect our people and preserve our future.”
He urged all Nigerians, irrespective of faith or belief, to uphold peace and brotherhood, saying: “Any single life lost offends the sensibility of God Almighty.”
Akume assured that the federal government won’t rest “until justice speaks loudly, clearly, and without delay. ”