PRESIDENT TINUBU DEMANDS IMMEDIATE ARRESTS, ORDERS SECURITY CHIEFS TO FLUSH OUT BENUE CRIMINALS
President Bola Tinubu issues a stern directive to security chiefs, demanding immediate arrests and intensified efforts to end the persistent killings in Benue State.
President Bola Tinubu has unequivocally tasked Nigeria’s security chiefs with intensifying efforts to track down and bring to justice the perpetrators responsible for the recent wave of killings in Benue State, demanding immediate arrests. His directive comes amid rising frustration over ongoing attacks and a perceived lack of accountability.
The President conveyed his displeasure and issued stern marching orders during a high-level meeting with top security heads, including the Chief of Defence Staff, service chiefs, and the heads of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) and the Department of State Services (DSS). “How come no arrest has been made? I expect there should be arrests of those criminals,” President Tinubu queried pointedly.
He specifically urged key military commanders—Chief of Defence Staff Christopher Musa, Chief of Army Staff Olufemi Oluyede, and Chief of Air Staff Hassan Abubakar—to intensify ground and aerial surveillance, assuring them of his unwavering support. “Christopher, I know you cannot be tired of staying in the bush — you and Oluyede and the Air Marshal — we need to keep our ears to the ground. Let’s get those criminals. Let’s get them out,” Tinubu stated firmly.
Furthermore, President Tinubu directed Mohammed Mohammed, Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), and Adeola Ajayi, Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), respectively, to revamp their intelligence-gathering mechanisms. The goal is to provide actionable intelligence crucial for preventing future attacks. “This must not happen again,” he warned emphatically.
The President’s robust intervention follows renewed and particularly deadly attacks in parts of Benue, notably an incident in Yelewata village that left many dead, scores injured, and several others displaced. Upon his arrival in Benue, President Tinubu first proceeded to Yelewata, a community in Guma Local Government Area identified as the epicenter of a recent brutal attack reportedly carried out by armed herders. He also held compassionate meetings with victims’ families, displaced persons, and community leaders directly impacted by the violence.
