Tinubu orders manhunt for suspects involved in Benue massacre
By Kunle Sanni –
President Bola Tinubu has charged Nigeria’s security chiefs to redouble their efforts and ensure that those behind the recent killings in parts of Benue State are tracked down and brought to justice without delay.
Expressing his displeasure over the continued attacks and the lack of arrests, Tinubu questioned the response of the security agencies so far. “How come no arrest has been made? I expect there should be arrests of those criminals,” he said.
The President gave the marching orders during a meeting with top security officials, including the Chief of Defence Staff, service chiefs, and heads of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) and the Department of State Services (DSS).
He specifically urged key military commanders — Christopher Musa, Chief of Defence Staff; Olufemi Oluyede, Chief of Army Staff; and Hassan Abubakar, Chief of Air Staff — to intensify ground and aerial surveillance, assuring them of his full backing.
“Christopher, I know you cannot be tired of staying in the bush — you and Oloyede and the Air Marshal — we need to keep our ears to the ground. Let’s get those criminals. Let’s get them out,” Tinubu said firmly.
The President also directed the Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Mohammed Mohammed, and the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Adeola Ajayi, to retool their intelligence-gathering channels to provide actionable information that will prevent further attacks. “This must not happen again,” he warned.
Tinubu’s comments followed renewed violence in parts of Benue, including a deadly attack in Yelewata village that left many dead, scores injured, and several others displaced.
Upon his arrival in the state, the President first visited Yelewata, a community in Guma Local Government Area, which was the epicenter of the recent attack reportedly carried out by armed herders. He also met with families of victims, displaced persons, and community leaders directly impacted by the violence.
