President Bola Tinubu has ordered the security agencies to fish out the perpetrators of the recent killings in Benue state. The President’s order was made public through a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Sunday.
The order comes amid growing concern over renewed violence in Benue, where clashes between different groups, including farmers and herders, have led to multiple deaths and displaced residents. Tinubu said that the killings must stop and that the country cannot afford more bloodshed in the region.
He noted that Governor Hyacinth Alia must take the lead in bringing warring communities together. The President asked Alia to start reconciliation talks immediately and meet with leaders from all sides of the conflict.
According to the statement, Tinubu said, “The purpose of this is to end the cycle of violence and foster peaceful coexistence,” he said.
Describing the killings as “inhuman and anti-progress,” the President urged political and community leaders to refrain from making unguarded statements that could inflame tensions further.
He also warned against any provocative actions that could escalate the violence.
“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,” he said.
“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,” he added.
In addition, the President emphasised the need for a collective and united approach to peacebuilding, calling on Governor Alia to lead a process of dialogue and reconciliation.
“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 concluded.