President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered Nigeria’s security chiefs to fully implement his earlier directive aimed at restoring lasting peace and security in Benue State, following a new wave of deadly reprisal attacks in the region.
Reacting to the renewed violence, President Tinubu expressed deep concern over the continued bloodshed, describing the killings as “inhuman and anti-progress.” He emphasized that the cycle of violence must end and has deployed intelligence operatives, police, and military personnel to the state to coordinate and oversee security operations.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the president called for immediate and decisive action, instructing security agencies to arrest and prosecute all perpetrators of violence, regardless of which side they belong to.
“The latest news of wanton killings in Benue State is very depressing. We must not allow this bloodletting to continue unabated. Enough is now enough,” President Tinubu declared.
He urged political and community leaders in the state to exercise restraint and avoid inflammatory remarks that could exacerbate tensions. He also warned against provocative actions that could lead to further reprisals, calling for unity in seeking a resolution to the crisis.
In a significant move toward long-term peacebuilding, President Tinubu tasked Governor Hyacinth Alia with initiating reconciliation efforts, including convening dialogue among herders, farmers, and local communities.
“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,” Tinubu stated. “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.”
The Benue crisis, often fuelled by longstanding tensions between farming communities and herders, has led to repeated outbreaks of violence in recent years. The federal government’s renewed intervention is expected to bring a more coordinated and proactive approach to halting the bloodshed and fostering lasting peace in the region.
