ABUJA — President Bola Tinubu has renewed his directive to security chiefs to restore peace in Benue State following a deadly attack on the Yelewata community by suspected militant Fulani herdsmen that left at least 200 people dead, including children who were reportedly locked in homes and burned alive.
The renewed order comes in the wake of Saturday’s massacre in Yelewata, a border town in Guma Local Government Area. Gov. Hyacinth Alia confirmed the death toll on Sunday, saying the figure was based on physical head counts conducted by security agencies in collaboration with affected families.
Among the victims were police personnel who died while attempting to repel the attackers.
Reacting to the killings, President Tinubu described the bloodshed as “inhuman and anti-progress,” and ordered top intelligence, military, and police officials to take charge of security operations in the state.
“The latest news of wanton killings in Benue is very depressing. We must not allow this bloodletting to continue unabated. Enough is now enough,” Tinubu said in a statement issued by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga.
“I have directed the security agencies to act decisively and arrest perpetrators of these evil acts on all sides of the conflict and prosecute them.”
Mr. Tinubu also urged Governor Alia to lead reconciliation efforts between farmers, herders, and local communities.
“This is the time for Alia to act as a statesman and immediately lead the process of dialogue and reconciliation that will bring peace to Benue,” the president said.
He warned political and community leaders in the state to avoid inflammatory rhetoric and to help prevent reprisals.
“They should also rein in those who go out to cause provocations and ignite reprisal,” he said.
“Our people must live in peace, and it is possible when leaders across the divides work together in harmony and differences are identified and addressed with fairness, openness and justice.”
Violent clashes between herders and farming communities have plagued Benue for years, often resulting in mass casualties and deepening mistrust among ethnic and communal groups.
Editor: Gabriel Ani
