President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has thrown a question at the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, asking, why no one has been arrested following the recent attacks in Benue State that resulted to the killing of more than 100 people.
The President asked, “How come no one has been arrested for committing this heinous crime in Yelewata. Inspector General of Police, where are the arrests?”
Last Saturday, armed attackers invaded the Yelewata Community in Benue State and caused havoc in the area, from killings to destruction of property.
The President had earlier described the unfortunate incident as “very depressing”, and charged Security Chiefs to ensure peace and security are restored to Benue State.
President Tinubu’s question to the IGP was made known via a State House Press Release titled ‘President Tinubu directs security agencies to arrest killers in Benue advises Governor Alia to set up peace committee’, signed by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, on Wednesday 18 June, 2025.
The President visited Benue State on Wednesday after rescheduling his official visit to Kaduna State for Thursday 19 June, 2025; he visited victims at a hospital in Makurdi, the Benue Capital, and issued some directives, including, the people of Benue working together in unity and Governor Alia establishing a father role in the State and working closely with everyone.
According to the State House Press Release (Part): “President Bola Tinubu has directed the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and the Chief of Defence Staff, Christopher Musa, to immediately arrest killer herders who perpetrated the heinous killing of over 100 people in Yelewata community in Benue State.
“President Tinubu gave the directive while addressing stakeholders at the Government House, Markudi.
“The meeting included the Secretary to the Federal Government, George Akume, Traditional Rulers, and former Governors of the state. The governors of Kwara, Imo, Kogi, Plateau, Ondo, and Nasarawa also attended the meeting.
“President Tinubu called out the Inspector General of Police to know why arrests have not been made. “How come no one has been arrested for committing this heinous crime in Yelewata. Inspector General of Police, where are the arrests? The criminals must be arrested immediately,” President Tinubu said.
“He urged 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 perpetrators.
“He told the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, of the need for vigilance and collaboration between communities and security forces.
“Advising Governor Alia on the importance of stakeholder management for peaceful and progressive governance, the President urged the governor to set up a peace committee in the state that will include former governors of Benue, elders, traditional rulers, federal government officials, and non-indigenes living in the state.
“”Let us meet again in Abuja. Let’s fashion out a framework for lasting peace. I am ready to invest in that peace. I assure you, we will find peace. We will convert this tragedy into prosperity,” he said.
“President Tinubu urged Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State to allocate land for ranching and directed the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security to follow up.
“He called for blood donations to support the injured receiving treatment at the Benue State Teaching Hospital, where he had earlier visited victims and medical staff.
“While underscoring the importance of peace for sustainable development, President Tinubu implored the Governor to ensure Benue is peaceful, adding that the circumstances of his visit this time should not have been a reason to visit.
“”I wanted to come here to commission projects, to reassure you of hope and prosperity, not to see gloomy faces. But peace is vital to development,” he said.
“”The value of human life is greater than that of a cow. We were elected to govern, not to bury people”, he stressed. He charged Governor Alia with working with the federal government to restore peace.
“”Governor Alia, you were elected under the progressive banner to ensure peace, stability, and progress. You are not elected to bury people or comfort widows and orphans. We will work with you to achieve that peace. You must also work with us.
Read: Benue State K*llings: Photos – President Tinubu visit victims of attacks in hospital
Read: Benue State K*llings: Governor Alia must work with everyone, be a father to all – President Tinubu
“”Not everyone will like you in politics. They hate me, too—like hell. But here I am, still your President. I made a promise to protect democracy, freedom, and prosperity, even for my abusers and accusers. That’s leadership,” the President emphasised.
“In his remarks, Governor Hyacinth Alia appealed to the Federal Government to establish a Special Intervention Fund for communities affected by repeated violent attacks across Benue State.
“”Your Excellency, while we continue to mourn our losses and rebuild from the ashes of pain, we humbly urge the Federal Government to consider establishing a special intervention fund for communities affected by these incessant attacks in Benue State,” he said.
“Governor Alia said the fund would support the rehabilitation of displaced persons, reconstruction of destroyed homes and infrastructure, and the restoration of livelihoods, especially for farmers. He reiterated his support for establishing state police as a lasting solution to insecurity.
“The Governor pledged his administration’s full commitment to building a safe, stable, prosperous Benue State.”
