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President Bola Tinubu, during a one‑day visit to Benue State, sharply rebuked security agencies for the failure to apprehend those behind last weekend’s massacre in Yelewata, which claimed approximately 147 lives. He demanded immediate action, warning that he would “keep them on their toes” until the perpetrators are caught and the violence halted .
Addressing the Inspector-General of Police, Tinubu pressed: “How come no one has been arrested for committing this heinous crime in Yelewata?” He further directed the DSS and NIA to intensify surveillance and intelligence gathering, insisting that a collaborative effort with local communities was essential to track down the criminals .
The visit included a meeting with hospitalised victims and a stakeholders’ gathering at Government House in Makurdi. Joined by top security chiefs, governors, and traditional leaders—including the Tor Tiv—Tinubu emphasised that peace must be restored. He underscored the value of human life over livestock and pledged federal support for sustainable stability. He also promised renewed dialogue in Abuja to develop a lasting peace framework .
Governor Hyacinth Alia pressed for the establishment of state police and the creation of a special federal intervention fund to help rebuild and assist affected communities. Meanwhile, the Tor Tiv, Prof. James Ayatse, warned that the crisis was not a typical farmer–herder clash but a coordinated “genocidal invasion” and land-grabbing campaign. He urged urgent and decisive action, cautioning that misdiagnosis would hinder resolution .
