Benue State is hopeful for a breakthrough in ending the wave of violence that has claimed hundreds of lives, following today’s visit by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the troubled state.
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Governor Hyacinth Alia, speaking ahead of the visit, expressed optimism that the President’s presence, along with the full complement of Nigeria’s security and intelligence chiefs, signified unwavering federal support to end the killings and restore peace.
“With the deployment of all the arsenal in personnel and equipment in Benue, we are hopeful that everything being done will translate to an end to attacks and killings not only in Benue but in other parts of the country,” Alia stated.
President Tinubu is expected to hold a town hall meeting with Benue citizens to assess the situation firsthand and seek collaborative ways to address the escalating insecurity, particularly in light of the recent massacre of at least 147 people in Yelewata near Makurdi.
The worsening security situation prompted the Benue Government to declare today a work-free day, allowing citizens to welcome the President and participate in planned engagements. Only essential workers are exempted.
Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, assured Benue residents that the military is committed to restoring peace. Speaking during a meeting with traditional rulers in Makurdi, Gen. Musa said, “The Armed Forces are with you. We are pained about what’s happening… We have brought peace to Liberia and Sierra Leone. Why not in our own country?”
In a related development, the Defence Headquarters dismissed allegations of sabotage within the military. Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, Director of Defence Information, said there was no credible evidence linking the military to the Yelewata killings.
“Independent investigations, including by human rights organisations, have found no link between the Nigerian military and the perpetrators,” he said.
Maj. Gen Moses Gara, Commander of Operation Whirl Stroke, has directed troops to stay vigilant and intensify kinetic and non-kinetic operations. “The era of impunity is over,” he declared, promising that perpetrators will be tracked, isolated, and brought to justice.
Members of the National Assembly led by the Senate leadership are accompanying the President. Senate spokesman, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, said the visit is part of broader efforts including a national security summit.
“We hope to uncover the roots of these killings and find lasting solutions, not only in Benue or Plateau, but nationwide,” he said.
At the international level, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the massacre, urging Nigerian authorities to apprehend those responsible. His spokesperson, Farhan Haq, said: “The Secretary-General condemns the killing of innocent civilians… and hopes those responsible will be found and apprehended.”
The National Human Rights Commission also issued a stern warning about the implications of the crisis on citizens’ right to life. Executive Secretary Tony Ojukwu, SAN, called for a thorough investigation and support for displaced populations.
“Benue is the food basket of the nation. Insecurity now means farmers can no longer go to their fields,” he warned.
To cushion the effects of the carnage, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has deployed essential food and non-food items to the affected communities.
Following a rapid needs assessment, NEMA’s Director-General, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, activated the agency’s North Central Zonal Office for coordination. Items delivered include rice, maize, mattresses, vegetable oil, seasoning cubes, and more.
NEMA also promised a more detailed assessment to determine further assistance.
As President Tinubu meets with Benue residents, expectations remain high for both immediate intervention and long-term solutions to end the killings and heal the wounded state.
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