President Bola Tinubu has issued a stern directive to Nigeria’s security chiefs, demanding swift arrests of those behind the recent massacre in Yelewata, Guma LGA of Benue State. During a visit to Makurdi on Wednesday, the President expressed deep frustration over the lack of arrests, insisting that the culprits must be fished out and prosecuted without delay.
Tinubu, who addressed stakeholders at a meeting in the state capital, ordered the Chief of Defence Staff, the Inspector General of Police, and intelligence agency heads to intensify surveillance and intelligence gathering. He described the killing of over 100 civilians as unacceptable, noting that the sanctity of human life must outweigh all other considerations.
The President also called for unity and reconciliation among warring communities, proposing the formation of a peace-building committee in Abuja. He charged Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia to champion local dialogue efforts, urging citizens to donate blood for the wounded and support displaced survivors.