Benue killings: President goes hard on Security chiefs

Security chiefs were put on the spot yesterday by the Commander-in-Chief, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The President took them to task as to why none of the criminals on the rampage in Benue State had been arrested, in spite of the extensive dastardly act.

He challenged them to do more and end the killing spree in the state.

He promised to keep the security chiefs on their toes until the menace is effectively checked, the killers of 147 people in Yelewata are apprehended and peace returns to the troubled communities.

President Tinubu gave the marching orders to security chiefs during his one-day visit to the state for a first-hand information on the situation. He also visited victims of the weekend’s attack on the Yelewata community in the hospital.

The Yelewata attack was the most recent in the spate of attacks on different communities in the state in which no fewer than 500 people had been killed since the beginning of this year.

Speaking during the stakeholders meeting at the Government House in Makurdi, the state capital, the President turned to Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun and asked: “How come no one has been arrested for committing this heinous crime in Yelewata? Inspector General of Police, where are the arrests? The criminals must be arrested immediately.”

President Tinubu also directed the DSS and the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) to intensify surveillance, gather actionable intelligence and collaborate with local communities to apprehend the perpetrators.

At the meeting were security chiefs, Benue political leaders and top traditional rulers.

Also at the meeting were the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; Governors AbdulRaheem AbdulRazaq (Kwara), Hope Uzodimma (Imo), Usman Ododo (Kogi), Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau), Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo), and Abdullahi Sule (Nasarawa),

The Tor Tiv, Prof. James Ayatse, told the President that Benue is facing a calculated genocidal herder-terrorist invasion, urging him to act with speed to save the hapless communities.

He said the bandits were on land grabbing expedition in Benue as they are doing in Plateau State.

Governor Hyacinth Alia, who renewed his call for state police, also requested a special intervention fund from the Federal Government to tackle rising humanitarian crisis.

President said: “Let us meet again in Abuja. Let’s fashion out a framework for lasting peace. I am ready to invest in that peace. I assure you, we will find peace. We will convert this tragedy into prosperity.

“I wanted to come here to commission projects, to reassure you of hope and prosperity,—not to see gloomy faces. But peace is vital for development. The value of human life is greater than that of a cow. We were elected to govern, not to bury people.

Governor Alia, you were elected under the progressive banner to ensure peace, stability, and progress. You are not elected to bury people or comfort widows and orphans. We will work with you to achieve that peace. You must also work with us.

“Not everyone will like you in politics. They hate me, too—like hell. But here I am, still your President. I made a promise to protect democracy, freedom, and prosperity, even for my abusers and accusers. That’s leadership.”

Alia thanked the President for the visit, urging him to create a Special Federal Intervention Fund to aid communities ravaged by repeated attacks.

He said the fund would assist the victims to rebuild their lives and restore the infrastructures that were destroyed.

Fr. Alia said: “While we continue to mourn our losses and rebuild from the ashes of pain, we humbly urge the Federal Government to consider establishing a special intervention fund for communities affected by these incessant attacks in Benue.

While I acknowledge the concerns surrounding its implementation, I believe the Federal Government can address these by setting clear state-specific guidelines and regulatory frameworks to prevent any potential misuse.”

The governor reaffirmed his support for the establishment of state police as a long-term solution to insecurity.

He also reiterated his commitment to building a peaceful and prosperous Benue.