Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, arrived in Benue State on Monday amid a wave of renewed violence that has ravaged several communities, marking a coordinated federal response to the escalating security crisis.
This comes on the heels of a deadly series of attacks carried out by suspected armed marauders last Friday. The coordinated assaults, which targeted multiple communities, have left more than 200 people dead and displaced scores of families. Many residents have described the carnage as one of the most brutal and horrifying episodes of violence witnessed in the state in recent memory.
The IGP’s presence in Benue is part of a larger security strategy aimed at restoring peace and order in the troubled region. Sources confirmed that his arrival is accompanied by the deployment of additional tactical police units to support existing local security forces. These reinforcements are expected to boost efforts in tracking down the perpetrators and ensuring the safety of affected communities.
Reacting strongly to the spate of killings, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in a statement issued on Sunday, condemned the attacks and expressed deep concern over the continued bloodshed. He described the killings as “depressing” and stressed that the violence must come to an end.
“The latest news of wanton killings in Benue State is very depressing. We must not allow this bloodletting to continue unabated. Enough is now enough,” the President stated.
He further disclosed that he had given firm directives to security agencies to act decisively, arrest all those responsible—regardless of which side of the conflict they belong to—and ensure they face the full weight of the law.
This latest order reinforces earlier instructions given by the President to security chiefs, mandating them to design sustainable strategies to tackle the state’s recurring security challenges and bring lasting peace to the region.
With the Inspector General now on the ground, hope is rising among the people of Benue State for swift and tangible action. Many residents are looking to the federal authorities for meaningful intervention that will go beyond promises and result in real security improvements on the ground.
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