Benue: Tinubu orders security agencies to arrest killers, urges Alia to set up peace committee

Tinubu inspecting the injured at a hospital during his visit to Benue

By JAMIU JAMODU

President Bola Tinubu has directed the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and the Chief of Defence Staff, Christopher Musa, to immediately arrest killer herders who perpetrated the heinous killing of over 100 people in Yelewata community in Benue State.

President Tinubu gave the directive while addressing stakeholders at the Government House, Markudi.

The meeting included the Secretary to the Federal Government, George Akume, Traditional Rulers, and former Governors of the state.

The governors of Kwara, Imo, Kogi, Plateau, Ondo, and Nasarawa also attended the meeting.

President Tinubu called out the Inspector General of Police to know why arrests have not been made.

“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,” President Tinubu said.

He urged the heads of the Department of State Services (DSS) and the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) to intensify surveillance and gather actionable intelligence to apprehend the perpetrators.

He told the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, of the need for vigilance and collaboration between communities and security forces.

Advising Governor Alia on the importance of stakeholder management for peaceful and progressive governance, the President urged the governor to set up a peace committee in the state that will include former governors of Benue, elders, traditional rulers, federal government officials, and non-indigenes living in the state.

“Let us meet again in Abuja. Let’s fashion out a framework for lasting peace. I am ready to invest in that peace. I assure you, we will find peace. We will convert this tragedy into prosperity,” he said.