President Bola Tinubu has renewed his directive to security chiefs to bring lasting peace and security to Benue State, following a recent surge in reprisal attacks that resulted in the loss of many lives. According to Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy), who issued a statement on the matter, “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.”
In response to the crisis, President Tinubu has directed intelligence chiefs, the police, and the military to direct security operations and restore sanity in the state. The President has also tasked Governor Alia with convening reconciliation meetings and dialogue among the warring parties to end the incessant bloodshed and bring lasting peace and harmonious coexistence between farmers, herders, and communities.
As Bayo Onanuga further stated, “Political and community leaders in Benue State must act responsibly and avoid inflammatory utterances that could further increase tensions and killings.” President Tinubu emphasized the need for Governor Alia to lead the process of dialogue and reconciliation, stating that “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.”
The President stressed that peace is possible when leaders work together in harmony and differences are identified and addressed with fairness, openness, and justice. The President has also directed security agencies to act decisively and arrest perpetrators of these evil acts on all sides of the conflict and prosecute them.
With these directives, President Tinubu aims to bring an end to the violence and restore peace to Benue State. As Bayo Onanuga noted, the President is committed to ensuring that peace is restored and that the people of Benue State can live in harmony.
