By Amofokhai Williams
President Bola Tinubu has ordered security chiefs to immediately enforce his earlier directive to end the recurring violence in Benue State, declaring that the time has come to halt the unrelenting bloodshed.
This renewed mandate follows a fresh wave of reprisal attacks that has claimed multiple lives in the state.
In response, President Tinubu has deployed top intelligence officials, military personnel, and police commanders to Benue to take charge of security operations and restore law and order.
But beyond boots on the ground, the President has also placed the burden of peacebuilding on Governor Hyacinth Alia, directing him to urgently convene reconciliation meetings among farmers, herders, and affected communities.
The aim, he said, is to foster dialogue and forge a path to lasting peace and mutual coexistence.
Describing the continued killings as “inhuman and anti-progress,” Tinubu condemned the role some political and community leaders have played in stoking the crisis through inciting statements and actions that escalate tensions.
“They should also rein in those who go out to cause provocations and ignite reprisal attacks,” the President warned.
Reacting to the most recent outbreak of violence, Tinubu declared: “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.”
The President said he has instructed the nation’s security agencies to deal firmly with all those responsible, regardless of which side of the conflict they belong to.
“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,” Tinubu said.
He urged leaders to rise above political and ethnic lines and exercise restraint in their public statements:
“Political and community leaders in Benue State must act responsibly and avoid inflammatory utterances that could further increase tensions and killings.”
Turning to the state’s chief executive, Tinubu issued a direct call: “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.”
He added that true peace is attainable only when all stakeholders work in unity and uphold justice and fairness: “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.”
