By Khadija Shehu Abdulkarim
President Bola Tinubu has directed security chiefs to enforce his earlier mandate to restore peace in Benue State following a fresh wave of deadly reprisal attacks that claimed multiple lives. The president’s order prompted an immediate deployment of intelligence operatives, military personnel, and police to the crisis-hit state.
In a statement, Tinubu condemned the killings as “inhuman and anti-progress,” demanding swift action against perpetrators. “Enough is now enough,” he declared, charging security agencies to arrest and prosecute those responsible for the violence .
Tinubu tasked Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia with spearheading reconciliation efforts between warring communities, herders, and farmers. He urged political and traditional leaders to avoid inflammatory statements that could escalate tensions.
“The latest news of wanton killings in Benue is very depressing. Governor Alia must act as a statesman and lead dialogue to ensure lasting peace,” Tinubu said. “Our people must live in harmony, and leaders must address differences with fairness and justice.”
The presidency’s intervention follows growing concerns over unchecked clashes in the North-Central state, with calls for a coordinated security and diplomatic approach to end the cycle of violence. The president’s directive signals a more forceful response to the crisis, with many awaiting evidence of concrete results on the ground .
Security forces have been deployed to the state to oversee operations and stabilize the situation. Tinubu emphasized that political and community leaders in Benue must act responsibly and refrain from making inflammatory statements that could worsen tensions .
Governor Alia has been tasked with convening reconciliation meetings to foster dialogue between conflicting parties and achieve lasting peace. The success of the president’s initiative will depend on the governor’s ability to lead peacebuilding efforts and ensure justice for all parties involved.