Mohamed Garba
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday issued a stern directive to security chiefs, demanding the swift arrest of perpetrators responsible for last Friday’s horrific massacre in Yelewata community, Guma Local Government Area of Benue State. The attack, attributed to armed herdsmen, tragically claimed over 100 lives.
During a town hall meeting with political leaders in Benue, a state recently plagued by escalating violence, President Tinubu directly addressed the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, stating, “Christopher… We need to get our ears to the ground. Let’s get those criminals. Let’s get them out.”
Also speaking directly to the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, the President asked why no arrest had been made and urged the IGP to ensure those behind the act are arrested.
The President’s visit to Benue comes amidst widespread condemnation of the ongoing killings. Earlier in the day, he visited survivors of the Yelewata attack who are receiving treatment at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital, underscoring the severity of the crisis. He was received by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, and the host Governor, Hyacinth Alia.
In a candid exchange with Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia, President Tinubu remarked, “Your political enemies don’t want you to succeed…Are you just realising that?” This observation highlights the complex interplay of political dynamics and security challenges in the region.
Beyond the immediate demand for arrests, President Tinubu emphasized the critical need for collaborative efforts among leaders across the region to achieve lasting peace. “We cannot do without another. I will want us to create a leadership committee now to meet in Abuja to fashion out a strategy for lasting peace. And I am ready to invest in that peace,” he declared, signaling a commitment to a comprehensive approach to conflict resolution.
The President’s directive and call for unity come as a glimmer of hope for a state that has endured immense suffering due to incessant attacks. The focus now shifts to the security agencies to deliver on the presidential mandate and for regional leaders to embrace the call for collaborative peace-building initiatives.
