The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has arrived in Benue State amid escalating violence and mass killings, vowing to put an end to the incessant bloodshed plaguing the region. His visit follows a brutal attack in Yelewata community, Guma Local Government Area, where suspected herdsmen killed nearly 250 people in one of the deadliest assaults in recent memory.
Upon arrival, the IGP ordered the immediate deployment of additional tactical units to bolster security and contain the crisis. The Nigeria Police Force confirmed this development in a statement posted on its official social media platforms. Egbetokun met with Governor Hyacinth Alia at the government house in Makurdi, where he conveyed the Federal Government’s commitment to bringing the perpetrators to justice and restoring peace.
During the meeting, Egbetokun reiterated President Bola Tinubu’s concerns over the violence, emphasizing that the killings threaten not only the safety of Benue residents but also the territorial sovereignty of Nigeria. Governor Alia expressed gratitude for the federal government’s stepped-up security efforts but lamented the surge of attacks on vulnerable communities, calling for effective strategies to protect residents.
Following the meeting, the IGP visited the scene of the attacks in Yelewata to assess the situation firsthand and coordinate further measures to end the violence. His arrival and the reinforcement of tactical teams have been welcomed by many, though citizens and rights groups continue to call for a comprehensive and sustained federal intervention to ensure lasting peace in Benue State.
The recent attacks have sparked nationwide outrage, with demands for accountability and urgent action to prevent further loss of life. The IGP’s promise to end the violence marks a critical step in addressing the security challenges facing the Middle Belt region.
