Benue: Tinubu Orders Security Chiefs to Enforce Peace

President Bola Tinubu has ordered security chiefs to implement his earlier directive aimed at bringing lasting peace and security to Benue State.

According to a statement released on Sunday night by the Special Adviser to the President on Information & Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu renewed his order in the wake of the latest round of reprisal attacks that led to the death of many people in Benue State, North-Central Nigeria.

The attack occurred from late Friday into the early hours of Saturday, June 14, 2025, when gunmen invaded the community, killing scores and injuring many others in Yelewata, Guma Local Government Area of Benue State.

Onanuga said that in accordance with the president’s directive, intelligence chiefs, the police, and the military have arrived in the state to oversee security operations and restore order.

President Tinubu has also tasked the governor of Benue State Hyacinth Alia with convening reconciliation meetings and dialogue among the warring parties to end the incessant bloodshed and bring lasting peace and harmonious coexistence between farmers, herders, and communities.

Describing the killings and bloodshed as inhuman and anti-progress, President Tinubu called on political and community leaders in conflict areas to stop fueling the crisis through unguarded utterances and statements that could further inflame tensions.

The statement further reads, “They should also rein in those who go out to cause provocations and ignite reprisal attacks.

“The latest news of wanton killings in Benue State is very depressing. We must not allow this bloodletting to continue unabated. Enough is now enough.

“I have directed the security agencies to act decisively, arrest perpetrators of these evil acts on all sides of the conflict, and prosecute them.

“Political and community leaders in Benue State must act responsibly and avoid inflammatory utterances that could further increase tensions and killings.

“This is the time for Governor Alia to act as a statesman and immediately lead the process of dialogue and reconciliation that will bring peace to Benue. Our people must live in peace, and it is possible when leaders across divides work together in harmony, and differences are identified and addressed with fairness, openness, and justice.”