Benue Killings Update: President Tinubu Finally Breaks Silence

President Bola Tinubu, yesterday, described the recent killings in Benue State as depressing, declaring that this must stop, as the government will not let the bloodletting in the state continue.

Tinubu directed security chiefs to implement his earlier directive to bring lasting peace and security to Benue State.

He called on Governor Hyacinth Alia to convene a meeting of the warring factions for lasting peace.

Meanwhile, Pope Leo XIV, yesterday, expressed deep sorrow at the murderous attack on Benue State, which resulted in the massacre of about 200 persons.

The pope spoke during Mass at the Vatican. He offered solemn prayers for the deceased and the nation of Nigeria, in general.

Also, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 Northern States and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) called on Tinubu to declare war on criminal elements unleashing mayhem on communities in Benue State and other states in the region.

Similarly, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar; Deputy Governor of Benue State, Sam Ode, former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, and Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) condemned the cold-blooded killings as shocking.

Benue State Youths converged at Wurukum Roundabout early yesterday morning in protest against the unremitting carnage in the state by suspected Fulani herdsmen.

They were later tear-gassed by policemen deployed to the area.

The attacks in Benue State occurred at night between June 13 and 14 in the town of Yelewata, Guma Local Government Area.

According to report, most of the victims were internally displaced persons receiving care at a hospital operated by a local Catholic mission.

Tinubu, in a statement by his Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, renewed his order in the wake of the latest round of attacks, which had led to the death of many people.

On the president’s directive, intelligence chiefs, the police, and the military have arrived in the state to direct security operations and restore sanity.

Tinubu Alia to convene reconciliation meetings and dialogue among the warring parties to end the bloodshed and bring lasting peace and harmonious co-existence between herders and the indigenous communities.

Describing the killings as inhuman and anti-progress, the president called on political leaders and community leaders in conflict areas to stop fuelling the crisis through unguarded utterances that could further inflame tensions.

He said leaders should rein in those who were out to cause provocations and ignite reprisal attacks.

The statement quoted Tinubu as saying, “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.

“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.

“Political and community leaders in Benue State must act responsibly and avoid inflammatory utterances that could further increase tensions and killings.”

The president said, “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.

“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.”