President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed security agencies to urgently track down and apprehend those responsible for the brutal attack in Yelewata, a community in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, where over 100 residents were reportedly killed by armed assailants last Friday.
During a town hall meeting with political stakeholders in Makurdi on Wednesday, Tinubu gave a stern charge to the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, to act swiftly.
“Christopher… We need to get our ears to the ground. Let’s get those criminals. Let’s get them out,” the President ordered.
The President’s visit to Benue State followed the deadly assault linked to armed herdsmen, marking one of the bloodiest attacks in recent times. Tinubu, accompanied by top government officials, also visited survivors receiving treatment at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital.
Speaking directly to Governor Hyacinth Alia, Tinubu remarked on the political undercurrents affecting governance in the state, saying, “Your political enemies don’t want you to succeed… Are you just realising that?”
Calling for collective regional action, the President proposed the immediate formation of a peace-focused leadership committee. “We cannot do without one another. I want us to create a leadership committee now to meet in Abuja to fashion out a strategy for lasting peace. And I am ready to invest in that peace,” Tinubu stated.
He was received in Makurdi by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, along with Governor Alia and other dignitaries.
The President’s visit and strong declarations come amid heightened public concern over insecurity in the region and increased calls for federal intervention.