President Bola Tinubu has issued a stern directive to security chiefs to enforce his earlier orders and halt the escalating violence in Benue State, following a fresh wave of reprisal attacks that left dozens dead.
Intelligence operatives, police, and military forces have now been deployed to the state to take charge of security operations and restore order.
Tinubu also tasked Benue Governor Hyacinth Alia with urgently convening reconciliation talks between warring factions to end the bloodshed and foster peace between farmers, herders, and communities.
Condemning the killings as “inhuman and anti-progress,” the president warned political and community leaders against inflammatory statements that could worsen tensions. “We must not allow this bloodletting to continue unabated. Enough is now enough,” Tinubu declared.
“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,” he said.
Calling for immediate dialogue, the president urged Governor Alia to rise as a statesman: “This is the time for Governor Alia to act… and immediately lead the process of dialogue and reconciliation that will bring peace to Benue. Our people must live in peace.”