President Bola Tinubu has broken his silence on the recent massacre in Benue State, directing security chiefs to implement prior orders to restore peace and arrest perpetrators of the violence that claimed over 200 lives.
The directive, announced on Sunday, 15 June, 2025 by Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, follows public outcry by many Nigerians and foreigners, Including Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican, over the President’s initial silence on the crisis.
Tinubu described the killings as “inhuman and anti-progress,” emphasising his “Enough is enough” reaction to earlier killings in the Middle Belt.
In a directive which indicates that Tinubu thinks the Benue massacre is not an act of terrorism but rather a farmers-pastoralists schism, the President tasked Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, with convening reconciliation meetings among farmers, herders and local communities to end the cycle of bloodshed.
Tinubu urged political and community leaders to avoid inflammatory rhetoric that could escalate tensions, calling for dialogue to foster lasting peace.
Security chiefs, including intelligence agencies, police, and military, have been deployed to Benue to curb the violence, with Governor Alia confirming the arrival of tactical squads to protect vulnerable areas.
The massacre, attributed to suspected armed herders, has devastated communities like Yelwata, prompting accusations of government inaction.
Governor Alia, who has faced criticism for failing to curb the insecurity, welcomed the federal support but expressed frustration over the lack of arrests despite increased security presence.
However, social media posts reflect public discontent over the president’s reaction, with some labelling Tinubu’s response as inadequate and politically motivated.
The APC in Benue has praised Alia’s efforts, including his donation of vehicles to security agencies, and called for collective action to restore peace. But as the crisis persists, Tinubu’s directive and Alia’s reconciliation efforts face scrutiny amid demands for decisive action to end the violence.
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