Benue Killings: Tinubu Orders Security Chiefs, IGP to Track Down Perpetrators

President Bola Tinubu has directed Nigeria’s service chiefs and the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, to hunt down those responsible for the recent wave of deadly attacks in Benue State.

The president issued the directive on Wednesday during a visit to the state, which has been reeling from renewed violence that has left dozens dead and thousands displaced.

Speaking at a stakeholders meeting in Makurdi, Tinubu criticized the lack of arrests despite ongoing attacks. “Police, I hope your men are alert and gathering intelligence. Why haven’t there been any arrests? These criminals must be brought to justice,” he said.

Addressing top security personnel present, including Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa and heads of the intelligence services, Tinubu emphasized the need for coordinated efforts.

“You’ve done a lot, Christopher. But we can’t afford fatigue now. Air Marshal, DG SSS, DG NIA—improve your intelligence operations. We must identify and neutralize these threats to our people,” he said.

Violence Sparks Outrage

The president’s visit follows an attack on Yelwata community in the Guma Local Government Area, allegedly carried out by suspected herders. The assault triggered national outrage and protests across the state.

Public figures including Labour Party's Peter Obi, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and Pope Leo XIV condemned the killings and urged the government to take decisive action.

“We Are One House, One Nation”

During the visit, Tinubu urged ethnic unity and reconciliation, describing Nigerians as “members of the same house, sleeping in different rooms.”

“Whether Tiv, Idoma, Yoruba—it doesn’t matter. We must unite, end these killings, and build a peaceful, prosperous country,” he told a gathering that included Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje, traditional rulers, and governors.

“The value of human life is far greater than that of livestock. Let’s build a synergy for peace and progress. We’re here to lead, not to bury our people,” he added, drawing applause from the audience.

Leadership Committee Proposed

To drive lasting peace, Tinubu proposed creating a leadership committee made up of former governors, traditional leaders, and community stakeholders. “Let’s form this committee now. We’ll meet in Abuja and create a sustainable peace strategy. I’m ready to invest in that peace,” he said.

He also called for blood donations for those injured in the attacks and urged Governor Hyacinth Alia to launch a statewide campaign to support victims.

Governor Alia Backs State Police

Governor Alia, in response, advocated for the establishment of a state police force and a federal intervention fund to help rebuild affected communities. He emphasized that though community policing has its challenges, it is essential for addressing Benue’s security crisis.

“A Genocidal Invasion”

Tor Tiv V and Chairman of the Benue State Traditional Council, James Ayatse, delivered a scathing critique of the government’s response, describing the situation not as communal clashes, but as a “calculated genocidal invasion.”

“This isn’t about herders and farmers or communal conflict. It’s a well-orchestrated land-grabbing campaign by terrorists,” he said. “Misinformation about the crisis leads to wrong solutions. What we face is far more sinister than is often acknowledged.”