Ayodele Oni
President Bola Tinubu has expressed, for the first time publicly, disappointment in the performance of security agencies, as it affects the onslaught in Benue state.
The President, also, expressed surprise at their inability and failure to make any arrests following the most recent massacre, where over 200 people were killed by suspected armed herders. He asked the Inspector General of Police, Dr Kayode Egbetokun: “IGP, why has there been no arrests? There should have been arrests by now”? The President, also, tasked the Department of State Services, DSS and the National Intelligence Agency, NIA, on Intelligence gathering, and urged them to retool for tangible results.
He insisted that there should be swift action to bring the perpetrators to justice and restore calm to the affected communities.
President Tinubu had, on Wednesday, visited Benue State in a decisive move to address the long-standing conflict between herders and farmers, which recently escalated into one of the deadliest attacks in the Region ’s history.
On way forward for lasting peace, the President tasked the administration of Governor Hyacinth Alia with forming a robust peace and reconciliation committee.
According to him, the proposed committee is expected to include former administrators of the state, governors of neighboring states, traditional rulers, non indigene and other critical stakeholders. Their first meeting, according to the President, will take place in Abuja.
“This is not a Benue problem alone,it is a Nigerian problem. Benue must lead the cause by bringing everyone to the table, especially those most affected the local communities.”
As part of long-term solutions, the President also requested land for the creation of a structured ranching system in the state, stating it would help transition the crisis into a platform for peace and economic revival.
Before concluding his visit, the President toured the Teaching Hospital to meet survivors and victims of the violence, offering his condolences and pledging Federal support for their recovery.
“This Government will not abandon Benue. We will invest in its peace and prosperity,” he assured.
The recent attacks have sparked nationwide outrage, with many calling for urgent and lasting intervention.
Earlier on his part, Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State asked the Federal Government to establish State Police and an intervention fund following the fresh wave of killings in the North-Central State.
According to Alia, the establishment of state police, though with its challenges, is critical to stemming the tide of violence in Benue State.
Those in the President’s entourage included past and serving governors, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, himself, a former Governor of the State, and other top government officials.
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