President Bola Tinubu has taken decisive steps following the horrific killings in Yelewata, Benue State, where over 100 people were murdered by armed herdsmen last Friday. During his visit to the state, Tinubu instructed the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, to intensify efforts to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Addressing the security chief in a town hall meeting with Benue’s political leaders, the President said, “Christopher… We need to get our ears to the ground. Let’s get those criminals. Let’s get them out.”
The President also met with victims at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital, offering condolences and support to survivors of the attack.
In a candid exchange with Governor Hyacinth Alia, Tinubu remarked, “Your political enemies don’t want you to succeed…Are you just realising that?” highlighting the political tensions that complicate peace efforts in the region.
Tinubu urged leaders from across Benue and neighboring areas to unite, proposing the formation of a leadership committee to convene in Abuja and develop a comprehensive peace strategy. “I am ready to invest in that peace,” he affirmed.
The visit underscores the federal government’s commitment to restoring security and stability in Benue, a state long affected by violent herder-farmer conflicts.