Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (PBAT) has directed service chiefs in the country and the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, and the Chief of Defence Staff, Christopher Musa, to immediately arrest killer herdsmen who are responsible for killings in Benue State.
The President gave the directive while addressing stakeholders at the Makurdi Government House during a condolence visit to the state.
PBAT, who wondered why no one has been arrested over the killings urged the heads of the Department of State Services (DSS) and the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), to intensify surveillance and gather actionable intelligence to apprehend the perpetrators.
Hundreds of people have been killed in Benue State following renewed killings by armed herdsmen.
The president also called for blood donations to support the injured receiving treatment at the Fr. Adasu University Teaching Hospital, where he had earlier visited victims and medical staff.
“Christopher (Musa – the Chief of Defence Staff), you have given much. I watch your comments. You can’t be tired of staying in the bush. Oloyede and the Air Marshal, we thank all of you, but we need to keep our ears to the ground. Let’s get those criminals; let’s get them out.
“DG NIA, DG SSS, retool your information channels, and let’s have tangible intelligence so that this will not occur again.
“How come no arrests have been made?… I expect there should be arrests of those criminals. Let’s get those criminals; let’s get them out,” the President said.
Meanwhile, Fr. Hyacinth Alia, the Governor of Benue State has called on the federal government to establish state police and an intervention fund following the fresh wave of killings in the North-Central State.
The governor noted that though the establishment of state police has its challenges, it is critical to stemming the tide of killings in Benue State.
His Eminence, Prof James Ortese Iorzua Ayatse, Tor Tiv and President, Benue Council of Chiefs, had earlier told the President that what is happening in Benue State is genocide and a land-grabbing attempt.
“What we are dealing with here in Benue state is a calculated, well-planned, full-scale genocidal invasion and land-grabbing campaign by herder terrorists and bandits, which has been on for decades and is worsening every year,” the Tor Tiv said.
