President Bola Tinubu has instructed security agencies to apprehend those responsible for the continuous killings in Benue state.
He also called on political and community figures to steer clear of comments that could escalate the situation.
On June 14, suspected herdsmen reportedly killed over 100 people in Yelewata and Daudu communities, located in Guma LGA of Benue state.
By Sunday, the number of casualties had allegedly climbed to 200.
This incident occurred less than two days after 25 people were killed in Mtswenem and Akondotyough Bawa communities in Makurdi LGA.
According to a statement by Bayo Onanuga, special adviser to the president on information and strategy, Tinubu condemned the attacks as “inhuman and anti-progress”.
He stated that “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.”
Tinubu reaffirmed his earlier instructions to the nation’s security heads.
Following the president’s orders, intelligence leaders, police forces, and military personnel have moved into the state to take charge of operations and restore order, Onanuga said.
Tinubu further appealed to political and community leaders in affected areas to stop inciting violence with “unguarded utterances and rein in those who go out to cause provocations and ignite reprisal attacks”.
He emphasized, “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.”
He added that political and community figures in Benue must act with responsibility and refrain from inflammatory remarks that could worsen the violence.
He urged Governor Alia to “act as a statesman” and promptly initiate dialogue and reconciliation efforts to restore peace in the state.
He concluded that Nigerians “must live in peace”, which is achievable when leaders collaborate across divides and address conflicts with “fairness, openness and justice”.
