By Fatima Saka
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, to immediately arrest the herders responsible for the brutal killings of over 100 residents in Yelewata community, Benue State.
Speaking during a high-level stakeholders’ meeting at the Government House in Makurdi on Wednesday, Tinubu decried the failure of security operatives to apprehend the perpetrators and called for urgent action.
> “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,” Tinubu demanded.
The meeting was attended by top dignitaries, including Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; traditional rulers; former governors; and the governors of Kwara, Imo, Kogi, Plateau, Ondo, and Nasarawa states.
The President also directed the Department of State Services (DSS) and the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) to intensify intelligence gathering and surveillance to identify and arrest the attackers.
In a direct appeal to Governor Hyacinth Alia, President Tinubu recommended the creation of a peace committee comprising former governors, traditional rulers, elders, federal government officials, and representatives of non-indigenes residing in the state.
“Let us meet again in Abuja and fashion out a framework for lasting peace. I am ready to invest in that peace. We will convert this tragedy into prosperity,” Tinubu stated.
He also directed the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security to follow up on land allocation for ranching in Benue to stem future conflicts and ensure lasting solutions.
Before the meeting, President Tinubu visited victims receiving treatment at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital, where he also encouraged blood donations to support the injured.
“I wanted to come here to commission projects, not to see gloomy faces. But peace is vital to development. The value of human life is greater than that of a cow,” he emphasized.
“We were elected to govern, not to bury people,” Tinubu added, urging Governor Alia to work closely with the federal government to restore peace and stability.
Reflecting on political opposition, Tinubu reminded Governor Alia that leadership often comes with criticism.
“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. That’s leadership.”
In his remarks, Governor Hyacinth Alia appealed for a Special Intervention Fund to support the rebuilding of communities devastated by the crisis.
“We humbly urge the Federal Government to consider establishing a special intervention fund for displaced communities in Benue. This will aid in rehabilitation, infrastructure restoration, and the return of farmers to their livelihoods,” he said.
He reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the establishment of state police as a long-term security solution.
The Chairman of the Benue State Traditional Council and paramount ruler, Tor Tiv, Orchivirigh Prof. James Ayatse, praised Tinubu’s empathy and historical hospital visit, describing it as unprecedented.
However, he strongly refuted common narratives on the crisis: “Your Excellency, it is not herder-farmer clashes or reprisal attacks. What we are facing is a well-planned genocidal invasion and land-grabbing campaign by herder-terrorists and bandits.”
He warned that mischaracterising the conflict has led to inadequate government responses and accused some political actors of fueling violence for selfish ends.
“Any politician who prays for more bloodshed to justify a state of emergency is acting against the will of Benue people,” he said.
Appealing for urgent presidential action, the monarch said: “All we ask, sir, is to stop our weeping. Give us peace in Benue so our farmers can return to the fields and feed the nation.”
