By Enyichukwu Enemanna
Nigeria’s leader on Wednesday paid a visit to the crisis-racked Benue State, North Central region, where he mandated the country’s service chiefs and the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to step up efforts to arrest “criminals” behind escalated attacks that have left over 200 people dead.
“Christopher (the Chief of Defence Staff), you have given much. I watch your comments, you can’t be tired of staying in the bush. Oloyede (the Chief of Army Staff) and the Air Marshal, we thank all of you, but we need to keep our ears to the ground. Let’s get those criminals, let’s get them out. DG NIA, DG SSS, retool your information channels and let’s have tangible intelligence so that this will not occur again,” President Bola Tinubu ordered during his visit to communities affected in the attacks analysts believe are being carried out by nomadic herdsmen.
The largely agrarian state, bordered by the nation’s capital Abuja, has recorded increased killings linked with the invasion of farmlands by often armed herdsmen, sparking conflicts with inhabitants.
“Police, I hope your men are on alert to listen to information. How come no arrest has been made? I expect there should be an arrest of those criminals,” Mr. Tinubu said.
Paramount ruler of the clan, Tor Tiv V, Mr. James Ayatse, however, dismissed claims that the killings in Benue State are the result of clashes between herders and farmers.
He said the killings are a calculated, well-planned, full-scale genocidal invasion and land-grabbing campaign in the state by “herder terrorists and bandits” that has been ongoing for decades.
He said, “We do have grave concerns about the misinformation and misrepresentation of the security crisis in Benue State. Your Excellency, it’s not herders-farmers clashes, it’s not communal clashes, it’s not reprisal attacks or skirmishes.
“It is this misinformation that has led to suggestions such as ‘remain tolerant, negotiate for peace, learn to live with your neighbours’.”
“What we are dealing with here in Benue is a calculated, well-planned, full-scale genocidal invasion and land grabbing campaign by herder terrorists and bandits, which has been going on for decades and is worsening every year,” he said.
Tinubu also visited injured victims of the attacks who are recuperating at various medical facilities.
