Tinubu orders security agencies to end Benue killings

…As Disu, IGP, vows to invoke police order 237 to deal with criminals

President Bola Tinubu has directed security agencies to end the cycle of attacks and reprisals that have claimed lives, destroyed properties and displaced communities in Benue State.

The directive was conveyed by Olatunji Disu, Inspector-General of Police, during a stakeholders’ meeting in Makurdi, Benue State Capital, where President Tinubu, according to the IGP, said he was determined to restore peace to the State and ensure that citizens return to their farms and homes without fear.

In line with the Presidential directive, IGP Disu vowed to crack down on illegal firearms across Benue, warning that only authorised security personnel are permitted to bear arms.

He disclosed that Police officers had been directed to act decisively under Force Order 237 when confronted by armed criminals.

“We will not fold our arms while criminal gangs and illegal arms continue to fuel violence in Benue. The Police will enforce the law firmly, but professionally to ensure lasting peace,” Disu said.

He described the insecurity in Benue as unacceptable and a source of “sleepless nights” for residents and security agencies, saying,Benue was once known as a peaceful and hospitable state but had been overtaken by violence.

While urging youths not to allow themselves to be used by influential individuals to perpetrate violence, the IGP said the crisis in Benue had gone beyond farmer-herder clashes, with criminal gangs, kidnappers and political interests worsening the situation.

Disu called on elders, traditional rulers, youths and community leaders to cooperate with security agencies with a promised to remain a regular visitor to Benue until peace is restored.

“I want to commend the people of Benue, particularly the youths, for supporting security agencies even as he encouraged parents to caution their children against participating in violence”, he added.

Also speaking, Francis Iduh, the Inspector-General of Police in charge of Mobile Police, said that the Force had identified 14 major security flashpoints across Benue for targeted operations.

He gave the names of the areas to include Gbajimba, Arufu, Agasha, Kwande, Agatu, Naka, Otukpo, Makurdi, Apa and other vulnerable communities,which he said have been mapped for intensive surveillance and security intervention.

According to him, the planned 14-day operation will involve stability and clearance patrols aimed at reclaiming forests, farmlands and other criminal enclaves.

Hyacinth Alia, the Benue State Governor, in a welcome remark, described the visit of the IGP as timely and a demonstration of the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to tackling insecurity through community policing and collaboration with state governments.

The governor said Benue’s strategic role as Nigeria’s food basket made the prevailing insecurity unacceptable, noting that attacks on communities had resulted in loss of lives, disrupted farming activities which is threatening national food security.

He called on traditional rulers, community leaders and residents to support security agencies with timely intelligence and promote peaceful coexistence, stressing that security is a shared responsibility.

The governor assured the IGP of Benue State Government’s continued cooperation in all lawful efforts to restore lasting peace across the State.