In the wake of a devastating attack that claimed the lives of at least 100 individuals in Yelewata, Guma Local Government Area, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the deployment of intelligence teams to Benue State. The massacre, which occurred between Friday night and Saturday morning, has drawn national and international condemnation. Amnesty International reported that many victims were burned alive in their homes, with graphic footage circulating on social media showing charred bodies and destroyed houses.
In response to the growing insecurity, President Tinubu has instructed security agencies to intensify efforts to apprehend those responsible for the killings. He emphasized the need for a coordinated approach to restore peace and security in the region. Additionally, the president has called on Governor Hyacinth Alia to convene peace meetings between farmers and herders to address the underlying issues fueling the violence. These meetings aim to foster dialogue and understanding between the conflicting parties, with the goal of achieving lasting peace in the state.
Governor Alia has acknowledged the challenges posed by the ongoing conflict and has committed to facilitating the proposed peace meetings. He has also called for the support of all stakeholders, including traditional and religious leaders, to ensure the success of these reconciliation efforts.
The Benue State government has been proactive in addressing security concerns. Governor Alia signed an Executive Order banning political and social gatherings beyond 10 p.m. and prohibited farming on undeveloped plots in urban areas to curb violent crimes such as kidnapping and banditry. The establishment of the Department of Public Order within the Ministry of Justice has been instrumental in implementing these measures.
Furthermore, the federal government has previously deployed additional security personnel to Benue State to combat the herders/farmers crisis. The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, affirmed that President Tinubu has provided sufficient security resources to the state and urged Governor Alia to utilize these assets effectively to end the killings.
The recent massacre has intensified calls for comprehensive measures to address the root causes of the herders/farmers conflict, including the establishment of grazing reserves and the enforcement of laws prohibiting open grazing. Experts suggest that insecurity has adversely affected agricultural output in Benue State, with a decrease in crop and livestock production during periods of insecurity.
As the situation develops, the collaboration between federal and state authorities, security agencies, and community leaders will be crucial in restoring peace and ensuring the safety of all residents in Benue State.
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