The Inspector-General of Police, IGP, Kayode Egbetokun, on Monday arrived in Benue State to oversee security operations after renewed waves of killings that have left dozens dead and hundreds displaced.
The high-profile visit comes just days after an attack by unidentified gunmen on several communities in the state, triggering outrage and fear among residents. The violent incident, which occurred on Friday, has again highlighted the region’s persistent security crisis.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, responding swiftly to the tragedy, directed all security and intelligence chiefs, including the military and police, to immediately restore law and order in Benue. In a strongly worded statement released on Sunday through his spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu condemned the attacks, describing them as “inhuman, senseless, and anti-progress.”
He called on law enforcement agencies to intensify their efforts and bring the perpetrators to justice. “The bloodletting must end. No one has the right to take the life of another, and these criminals must be treated as enemies of the state,” the president stated.
In addition to the deployment of more officers, the IGP is expected to meet with community leaders, state officials, and security commanders on ground to review current strategies and implement stronger community-based interventions.
IGP Egbetokun’s presence in the state underscores the seriousness with which the federal government views the escalating violence in Benue, a state that has witnessed repeated attacks by suspected herdsmen, armed militias, and criminal gangs over the years.
President Tinubu also appealed to political and traditional leaders in affected communities to tone down rhetoric and avoid statements that could further inflame tensions. “We must avoid fueling the fire,” he said. “Peace requires cooperation from all stakeholders.”
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This is not the first time the presidency has waded into the Benue crisis. Previous administrations have also grappled with similar outbreaks of violence, particularly in rural communities.
Security experts say the challenge in Benue is multifaceted, involving historical land disputes, ethnic tensions, and the infiltration of armed criminal elements. The federal government has previously launched joint military-police operations, yet sporadic attacks continue to destabilize the state.
With the IGP now on ground, residents hope for swift and decisive action. Community sources report increased police visibility in hotspots such as Guma, Gwer West, and Logo local government areas, which bore the brunt of Friday’s attacks.
As of Monday evening, the Police Force Headquarters had not released an official casualty figure, but local media estimate that over 40 people may have lost their lives.
The situation remains tense but calm, as reinforcement units begin patrols and intelligence gathering to prevent further attacks.
The IGP’s visit also comes ahead of expected consultations with Governor Hyacinth Alia and local stakeholders to craft a sustainable peace framework tailored to Benue’s unique security dynamics.
The Conclave
