Leadnaija
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed Nigeria’s security chiefs to take immediate action in enforcing his prior orders aimed at curbing violence in Benue State.
He also tasked Governor Hyacinth Alia with spearheading reconciliation efforts among warring factions in the state.
In a strong-worded statement on recent violence, the President condemned the ongoing killings, describing them as “barbaric and counterproductive.” He emphasized the need for urgent intervention, calling on both political and community leaders in Benue to act responsibly.
“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,” President Tinubu declared.
He further instructed security agencies to “act decisively and arrest perpetrators of these evil acts on all sides of the conflict and prosecute them.”
Calling for calm and unity, the President urged leaders to refrain from incendiary rhetoric that could worsen tensions. “Political and community leaders in Benue State must act responsibly and avoid inflammatory utterances that could further increase tensions and killings,” he said.
President Tinubu specifically charged Governor Alia with the responsibility of facilitating peace talks and reconciliation forums, stressing that only through genuine dialogue can enduring peace be achieved between farmers, herders, and local communities.
“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 said, adding, “Our people must live in peace, and it is possible when leaders across the divides work together in harmony and differences are addressed with fairness, openness, and justice.”
The call comes amid heightened concerns over the rising death toll in the state, with renewed violence threatening the region’s fragile stability.
