Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s (FG) resolve to put an end to the ongoing violence in Benue State and ensure those responsible are brought to justice. The renewed commitment follows a deadly assault by suspected herdsmen in Yelewata, a border town in Benue, which claimed several lives over the weekend.
No fewer than two hundred people were reported to have lost their lives in the attacks. In response, President Bola Tinubu directed the country’s security leadership to act swiftly in executing his prior orders aimed at restoring peace and stability across the state. He also urged the state government to organise dialogue sessions and reconciliation efforts to halt the repeated clashes and foster peaceful coexistence among herders, farmers, and local communities.
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During a courtesy visit to Governor Hyacinth Alia at the Government House in Makurdi on Monday, Egbetokun expressed concern over the unrelenting attacks, describing them as a threat not only to public safety but also to the nation’s territorial integrity. Governor Alia, in his remarks, commended the FG and security agencies for intensifying efforts to contain the violence.
Nonetheless, he decried the increasing frequency of attacks on vulnerable rural communities and called for the adoption of more effective security measures to protect lives and property. Following the meeting, Egbetokun proceeded to Yelewata to inspect the affected areas and conduct an on-the-ground evaluation to guide further security interventions.
