President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday expressed deep dissatisfaction with the inability of security operatives to arrest anyone linked to the brutal assault on the Yelwata community in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State.
The attack, which occurred last Friday, resulted in the deaths of more than 200 residents, prompting widespread outrage and a high-level presidential visit.
While addressing stakeholders during a town hall meeting held at the Benue State Government House in Makurdi, President Tinubu directed tough questions at security agencies, particularly the Nigeria Police Force, over the absence of any arrests several days after the killings.
Turning to the Inspector-General of Police, Tinubu asked, “Police, I hope your men are on alert to listen to information. How come no arrest has been made?” He added with emphasis, “I expect there should be arrests of those criminals.”
Seeking to reassure the people of the state, the President promised a renewed federal commitment to ending the cycle of violence. “I give you the assurance that we will find peace and convert this tragedy to prosperity,” he declared.
President Tinubu also addressed the nation’s top military leadership present at the meeting, including the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, and other senior commanders. Referring to both Musa and the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, he urged greater vigilance and operational aggression in the fight against the perpetrators of such heinous crimes.
“Christopher, I watched your comment, and I know you can’t be tired staying in the bush with Oluyede (COAS). But we need to keep our ears to the ground and help get those criminals,” he charged.
Earlier in the day, Tinubu arrived at the Nigerian Air Force Base in Makurdi, where he was welcomed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, along with Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia. Also on hand to receive the President were other North Central governors, federal lawmakers from the state, and several ministers and political officeholders.
Upon his arrival, the President proceeded to the Benue State University Teaching Hospital to visit and empathise with victims who survived the attack. His visit to the hospital offered him firsthand insight into the scale of devastation inflicted upon the affected community.
The President’s town hall meeting was convened as part of broader efforts to galvanise local and national cooperation toward ending the recurrent attacks in Benue State, which have claimed thousands of lives over the past few years.
His visit underscores both the gravity of the situation and the national attention it has attracted, raising hopes among residents that urgent steps will finally be taken to address the security crisis.
What You Should Know
President Tinubu’s condemnation of security lapses following the mass killing in Benue’s Yelwata community signals a shift toward firmer accountability.
With over 200 lives lost, he is demanding results from the police and military, calling for arrests and swift justice. His promise to transform “tragedy to prosperity” comes with renewed federal pressure to end the bloodshed.
