From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Wednesday, June 18, expressed strong dissatisfaction over the failure of security agencies to apprehend those responsible for the massacre of over 200 people in Yelewata community, Guma Local Government Area, Benue State.
During his visit to Makurdi, the President demanded urgent arrests and vowed to personally intervene to end the cycle of violence.
Addressing a town hall meeting at the Benue State Government House in Makurdi, Tinubu sharply questioned the police’s inaction: “Police, I hope your men are on alert to listen to information. How come no arrest has been made? I expect there should be arrests of those criminals.”
While commending the military high command for their efforts, he pressed for increased vigilance and coordination on the ground: “Christopher, Chief of Defence Staff, thank you very much. I watched your comments. I know you can’t be tired of staying in the bush, including Oluyede, Chief of Army Staff, and the Air Marshal. Thanks to all of you, but we need to keep our ears to the ground. Let’s get those criminals, let’s get them out.”
Tinubu also charged the heads of intelligence agencies to strengthen their surveillance and intelligence gathering: “DG NIA and DG DSS, retool your information channels and let’s have tangible intelligence so that this will not occur again.”
In the wake of the tragedy, the President directed Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, to immediately form an inclusive peace committee to restore calm and foster lasting peace in the state. He emphasised that the committee must include all stakeholders—former governors, traditional rulers such as the Tor Tiv and Och’Idoma, religious leaders, and non-indigenes.
“Let’s establish the committee of leaders. We cannot do without one another,” Tinubu said. “Whatever we need to do, I will want us—this leadership committee now—we’ll meet in Abuja to really fashion out the nucleus of a lasting peace, and I’m ready to invest in that peace.”
Highlighting the importance of regional cooperation, he called for synergy with neighbouring Nasarawa State, whose governor, Abdullahi Sule, was present: “The governor of Nasarawa is here and the governor of Benue is here, let’s create that synergy for peace, development, and prosperity. We’re here to govern, not to bury. We’re here to raise families, not to lose some.”
Tinubu urged the people of Benue to support Governor Alia during this critical period and to embrace peace and inclusion: “This is a very critical time. The governor needs your help. Let’s have a committee with non-indigenes incorporated.”
Reaffirming the federal government’s commitment to the state’s recovery, the President assured: “I give you the assurance that we will find peace, we will convert this tragedy to prosperity again and again.”
On national development, Tinubu stressed that progress depends fundamentally on peace and security: “We’ve been fastening our belts to give development to our country. It’s only when you make the people of your state the priority that you can plan good for them and you can execute good programmes.”