President Bola Tinubu has issued a fresh directive to Nigeria’s security chiefs to enforce his earlier instructions aimed at restoring peace and stability in Benue State, following another wave of violent reprisal attacks that claimed several lives.
According to a statement released on Sunday by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, the president also tasked Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia with initiating reconciliation talks among warring factions in the state to put an end to the recurring clashes between farmers, herders and local communities.
“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,” President Tinubu said.“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.”
On the strength of the president’s directive, personnel from the intelligence community, police, and military have arrived in the state to coordinate security operations and restore order.
The president condemned the violence, describing it as “inhuman and anti-progress,” while urging political and community leaders in Benue to avoid making inflammatory comments that could worsen the situation.
“They should also rein in those who go out to cause provocations and ignite reprisal attacks,” he warned.
President Tinubu also called on Governor Alia to demonstrate statesmanship by spearheading a broad-based reconciliation process.
“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,” he stated.
“Our people must live in peace, and it is possible when leaders across the divides work together in harmony and differences are identified and addressed with fairness, openness and justice.”