Benue crisis: Tinubu orders security chiefs to enforce peace

…tasks Governor Alia with reconciliation efforts

By Kunle Sanni –

President Bola Tinubu has directed Nigeria’s security chiefs to fully implement his earlier orders aimed at restoring peace in Benue State, following a new wave of deadly reprisal attacks.

In a renewed effort to end the violence, the President instructed intelligence agencies, the police, and the military to intensify operations and stabilise affected communities. Security personnel have already been deployed to coordinate immediate interventions.

Describing the ongoing killings as “inhuman and anti-progress,” Tinubu condemned the bloodshed and urged political and community leaders to avoid inflammatory remarks that could escalate tensions.

“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 in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

The President emphasised that security agencies have firm instructions to pursue and prosecute all perpetrators of violence, regardless of their affiliations.

Beyond security measures, Tinubu also called on Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, to take the lead in reconciliation efforts by organising peace meetings among farmers, herders, and affected communities.

“This is the time for Governor Alia to act as a statesman and immediately lead a process of dialogue and reconciliation to bring peace to Benue,” he said. “Our people must live in peace, and that is possible when leaders work together in harmony.”

The President’s directive follows growing concern over the humanitarian crisis and continued clashes between farmers and herders, which have claimed dozens of lives and displaced many families.