President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has issued a strong directive to security agencies to arrest those responsible for the recent killings in Benue State, declaring that the issue of land-grabbing will be tackled decisively if it is found to be at the root of the violence.
Speaking during a visit to the Benue State Government House in Makurdi on Tuesday, the president met with traditional rulers, community leaders, and other stakeholders in the wake of renewed attacks by armed herdsmen that claimed several lives.
President Tinubu charged the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, to ensure the perpetrators are apprehended and brought to justice. “I expect there should be arrests of those criminals. Take out those criminals,” the president ordered.
He also directed the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) and the Department of State Services (DSS) to intensify intelligence gathering to prevent further bloodshed in the region.
Describing the continuous attacks and displacement of communities as a national concern, Tinubu emphasized the need for collective resolve. “These are not isolated tragedies. What affects Benue affects us all. We may sleep in different rooms, but we live under one roof as Nigerians,” he said.
To address the crisis, the president ordered the immediate formation of a peace resolution committee jointly established by the governments of Benue and Nasarawa states. He urged that the committee include elder statesmen capable of fostering inclusive dialogue and long-term solutions.
“The time has come to end this cycle of pain. We must convert our collective tragedy into a foundation for lasting prosperity. We will work with the people of Benue to convert this tragedy into economic prosperity,” Tinubu stated.
He further proposed the creation of a high-level committee comprising respected elders and traditional rulers from the Tiv and Idoma nations to lead reconciliation and community rebuilding efforts.
During his visit, the president also stopped at the Benue State Teaching Hospital, where he met with victims and medical personnel. He called for urgent blood donations to support those injured in the attacks.
Addressing Governor Hyacinth Alia, Tinubu stressed the importance of peace and development. “You were elected to govern, not to bury people. Let us meet again in Abuja and fashion out a framework for lasting peace. I am ready to invest in that peace,” he said.
The president also directed the governor to allocate land for ranching and tasked the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security to follow up on the implementation.
“Peace is vital to development. The value of human life is greater than that of a cow,” Tinubu added, underscoring his administration’s commitment to ending violence and restoring hope in Benue.
