President Bola Tinubu has renewed his directive to security agencies to bring lasting peace and security to Benue State, following a recent surge in violent reprisal attacks that resulted in significant loss of life.
This is contained in a statement issued on Sunday by BatoOnanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.
The President has also directed security agencies to act decisively to arrest and prosecute perpetrators of violence on all sides of the conflict.
He also charged the Governor of Benue State Hyacinth Alia on with convening reconciliation meetings and dialogue among the warring parties to end the incessant bloodshed and bring lasting peace and harmonious coexistence between farmers, herders, and communities.
Tinubu described the killings and bloodletting as inhuman and anti-progress.
“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.
”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.”
He also called on political leaders and community leaders in conflict areas to stop fuelling the crisis through unguarded utterances and statements that could further inflame tensions.
”They should also rein in those who go out to cause provocations and ignite reprisal attacks.
“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.
“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.
“Political and community leaders in Benue State must act responsibly and avoid inflammatory utterances that could further increase tensions and killings, ” he said.
Intelligence chiefs, police, and military personnel have been deployed to the state to oversee security operations and restore order.
