Tinubu orders security chiefs to restore peace in Benue amid rising killings

Amid a fresh wave of violence and killings in Benue State, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has issued a firm directive to Nigeria’s security chiefs to act decisively and implement his earlier instructions aimed at restoring peace to the troubled region.

In a statement released on Sunday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Tinubu also called on Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia to initiate reconciliation efforts. The President urged the governor to bring stakeholders, including farmers, herders, and local communities, to the table for dialogue and mediation.

President Tinubu condemned the persistent bloodshed in Benue, describing the violence as “inhuman and anti-progress.” He emphasized that genuine peace and sustainable development cannot thrive in an atmosphere of fear, conflict, and division.

The President also warned political and community leaders to refrain from making inflammatory statements that could worsen the already tense situation. According to him, leadership should be used as a tool for unity, not division.

“They should also rein in those who go out to cause provocations and ignite reprisal attacks.

“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.

“I have directed the security agencies to act decisively and 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,” the statement said.