From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
The Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, has vowed to ensure that the perpetrators of the recent Benue massacre face justice, describing the killings as an attack on the sovereignty and integrity of Nigeria.
Egbetokun made this pledge during a visit to Governor Hyacinth Alia at Government House, Makurdi, on Monday, June 16, 2025, to commiserate with the state over the Saturday, June 14, 2025, attacks in Yelwata community, Guma Local Government Area, which claimed over 200 lives.
Speaking, the IGP said he was in Benue to sympathise with the governor and assure him of the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to pursue the criminal elements, bring them to justice, and restore lasting peace to the state.
He said, “On behalf of the Nigerian Police Force, I extend our deepest condolences to Your Excellency, your government, the people of Benue State, the bereaved families, and all citizens affected by these attacks.
“I’m sure you have spoken to Mr President and have known how saddened he was on hearing the news of the fresh attacks on another vulnerable community in Benue State and his commitment to ensure that this reign of impunity by criminal gangs and terror elements ends in our country.
“These mindless acts of terror are not just attacks on Benue people but attacks on the sovereignty and integrity of the nation. An attack on any community in Nigeria is an attack on the entire nation.
“I want to assure you that the Nigerian Police Force will stand with you and the entire people of Benue State on this. We are going to work closely with you and in close synergy with other security agencies to ensure that lasting peace returns to Benue State.
“We are aware of the vast terrain of Benue State and the security challenges it presents. We might not be able to cover every inch of the place, but we are going to deploy adequately to ensure the protection of lives and property in Benue.”
The IGP, acknowledging past impunity by criminal elements, assured that “a day is fast approaching when they would come to attack but would never return. That day is fast approaching, and I can assure you that we would continue to protect lives and property in the state.”
He pledged to support the state with all available resources and to synergise with other security agencies “to make sure that we defeat this evil.”
Responding, Governor Hyacinth Alia expressed gratitude to the IGP for his prompt visit and ongoing support in combating insurgencies in the state.
Alia described the attacks as senseless, saying, “The carnage that took place over the weekend, again, was a senseless one. There was no cause for such a bloodbath, but it happened. We appreciate you and the entire service for, before now, responding to us appropriately with all the support in our fight against insurgencies in the state.
“We are bleeding, we are in sorrow. I believe your visit is going to uplift our spirits and build within us formidable assurance of the fact that we are not alone but that you will be there for us.”
The governor noted that, upon assuming office, his administration reduced the number of local government areas (LGAs) under frequent attack from 17 to nine, and later to six, through concerted efforts. However, he lamented a recent upsurge in violence, stating, “We have not rested in the last two months.
“Again, I’m confident that once our victims feel your presence, it will rekindle hope in them as well. We are hopeful that with all hands on deck, we would become victorious, and the sorrowful narrative we share today would become a thing of the past.”