The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has arrived in Benue State to address the growing insecurity following a recent spate of brutal attacks that have left dozens dead and entire communities devastated.
In a statement released via the official Nigeria Police Force handle on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday, the IGP directed the immediate reinforcement of tactical units across the affected areas in a bid to restore peace and prevent further violence.
“IGP arrives Benue, orders additional deployment of tactical teams,” the police statement read.
The intervention follows nationwide outrage and renewed pressure on the Federal Government to take decisive action. Over the weekend, Guma Local Government Area was rocked by a series of violent attacks, allegedly carried out by suspected herdsmen. While official figures confirm at least 45 fatalities, community leaders claim the actual death toll could exceed 200. Victims reportedly include entire families who were burned alive, with some security personnel also feared dead.
Reacting to the situation, civil society groups and concerned Nigerians have flooded social media with demands for a state of emergency to be declared in Benue.
“The silence from the Federal Government is deafening,” said Terver Iorliam, a community leader in Guma. “If this level of carnage had occurred elsewhere, swift actions would have followed. Our people feel abandoned.”
Many Nigerians have contrasted the government’s muted response to the Benue killings with its rapid intervention in the political crisis in Rivers State earlier this year, where emergency measures were introduced despite no reported deaths.
Speaking on the urgency of the police action, Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Muyiwa Adejobi, said: “The IGP’s visit underscores the seriousness with which the Nigeria Police Force is addressing the security challenges in Benue. Tactical deployments are already underway.”