President Tinubu Orders Arrest of Killers in Benue, Advises Governor Alia to Set Up Peace Committee
Abuja, June 18, 2025 –
President Bola Tinubu has directed the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and the Chief of Defence Staff, Christopher Musa, to immediately arrest the killer herders responsible for the recent massacre of over 100 people in Yelewata community, Benue State.
The President gave the directive during a meeting with stakeholders at the Government House in Makurdi, Benue State.
He expressed frustration over the lack of progress in arresting the perpetrators and called on the heads of the Department of State Services (DSS) and the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) to intensify surveillance and gather actionable intelligence to apprehend the culprits.
President Tinubu also advised Governor Hyacinth Alia to set up a peace committee in the state, comprising former governors, elders, traditional rulers, federal government officials, and non-indigenes living in the state.
He emphasized the importance of peace for sustainable development and urged the Governor to work with the federal government to restore peace in the state.
The President directed the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security to follow up on the allocation of land for ranching in Benue State.
He also called for blood donations to support the injured receiving treatment at the Benue State Teaching Hospital.
Governor Alia appealed to the Federal Government to establish a Special Intervention Fund for communities affected by repeated violent attacks across Benue State.
The fund would support the rehabilitation of displaced persons, reconstruction of destroyed homes and infrastructure, and the restoration of livelihoods, especially for farmers.
The Tor Tiv, Orchivirigh Prof. James Ayatse, praised President Tinubu for visiting victims in the hospital and thanked him for appointing notable Benue indigenes into key positions.
He attributed the recurring insecurity in the state to land grabbing and accused some political actors of exploiting the situation for selfish gain.
