President Bola Tinubu has ordered Nigeria’s top security chiefs to apprehend those responsible for the recent massacre of more than 100 civilians in Yelewata, a farming community in Benue State.
The President issued the order during a stakeholders’ meeting held in Makurdi on Wednesday. Addressing a gathering that included traditional rulers, former governors, and regional leaders, Tinubu demanded accountability from the nation’s security apparatus.
“This level of violence cannot go unanswered. The killers must be arrested, and justice delivered,” Tinubu stated. He directed the Inspector-General of Police, Chief of Defence Staff, and intelligence agencies to act without delay.
The President lamented the tragic nature of his visit, which had initially been intended to inaugurate development projects.
“I had hoped to come here to commission progress, not to mourn lives lost. But peace is the foundation of any development,” Tinubu said.
He urged Governor Hyacinth Alia to lead a new peace initiative by establishing a broad-based committee comprising former leaders, community figures, and representatives from various ethnic groups.
“We must turn this pain into purpose. I am ready to support a peace roadmap,” Tinubu added, proposing a follow-up summit in Abuja.
As part of long-term solutions, Tinubu instructed the Minister of Agriculture to work with the Benue State Government to allocate land for ranching schemes aimed at curbing farmer-herder clashes. He also called for public blood donations for those wounded in the attacks and currently receiving treatment.
Governor Alia responded by appealing for a Special Federal Intervention Fund, which would assist in rebuilding affected communities, rehabilitating displaced persons, and supporting farmers who have lost their livelihoods. He reiterated his support for establishing state-controlled police forces to enhance local security.
Meanwhile, Tor Tiv, Prof. James Ayatse, warned against oversimplifying the conflict as a farmer-herder dispute. “This is not a communal clash. It is a systematic campaign of displacement and terror,” he said, welcoming the President’s commitment to justice.
President Tinubu concluded by affirming his resolve to safeguard all Nigerians, regardless of political divisions.
“They may oppose me politically, but I remain committed to protecting every citizen. Leadership means ensuring safety, not presiding over burials,” he declared.
