President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has issued fresh directives following renewed violence in Benue State that led to multiple deaths and widespread destruction. In a statement by presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, the President described the killings as unacceptable and directed all security agencies to take immediate and decisive action to restore peace.

He also called on political and community leaders in the state to exercise restraint and avoid provocative statements that could worsen tensions. The President has deployed the military, police, and intelligence services to Benue and tasked Governor Hyacinth Alia with leading reconciliation efforts to address the root causes of the conflict.

The renewed presidential directive comes amid mounting national concern and international condemnation of the persistent violence in Benue, largely linked to clashes between herders and farmers.

President Warns That the Killings Must End

In his directive, President Tinubu expressed deep concern over the continued violence in Benue, stating that the bloodshed cannot be allowed to continue. He instructed the security agencies to move swiftly, arrest those responsible, and ensure they are prosecuted.

According to the statement, Tinubu emphasized the need for urgent and firm action, warning that the country must not allow such acts of violence to become a recurring tragedy. He urged all sides involved in the conflict to de-escalate hostilities and called on leaders to prevent further reprisals.

Governor Alia Tasked with Leading Dialogue and Peace Talks

The President has placed responsibility on Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia to lead reconciliation efforts among farmers, herders, and affected communities. He urged the governor to take immediate steps to bring all parties to the table for discussions that would promote peace, healing, and mutual understanding.

Tinubu stressed that Governor Alia must rise above politics and lead with fairness, transparency, and justice in resolving the conflict. According to him, only inclusive dialogue and meaningful engagement with all stakeholders can deliver lasting peace to the region.

National Security Chiefs Mobilised for Rapid Intervention

Following the President’s order, senior security officials, including heads of the military, police, and intelligence services, met to finalize deployment strategies. The National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, confirmed that security agencies had already deployed personnel to Benue, Plateau, Borno, and Kwara States to maintain order.

Ribadu revealed that the President, despite being abroad at the time, maintained constant contact with his security team and provided direct instructions. He said all security arms were now working round-the-clock, with enhanced collaboration and communication between the various agencies.

He added that the President’s commitment to restoring security across affected states remained unwavering and that proactive steps were being taken to prevent future outbreaks of violence.

Community Leaders Urged to Avoid Provocative Rhetoric

President Tinubu also cautioned local leaders against making statements that could further inflame the situation. He urged them to work toward calming tensions rather than stoking them, noting that leadership during such times must be exercised with responsibility and foresight.

He emphasized that achieving sustainable peace in Benue would require collective action from all sides, including traditional rulers, community elders, political leaders, and religious institutions.

The President reiterated that only through unity and mutual respect can Nigeria overcome its internal divisions and build a more secure and stable nation.

A New Security Approach Focused on Coordination and Local Engagement

Tinubu’s directive reflects a broader shift in the country’s security strategy. His administration has focused on building greater synergy among the armed forces, police, and intelligence community, while also involving local governments in conflict resolution.

The government has adopted a more community-centered approach to dealing with insecurity, combining enforcement with dialogue. Ribadu noted that the President’s orders have led to closer cooperation among agencies and improved resource allocation to critical areas.

He acknowledged that while Nigeria still faces significant security challenges, progress is being made and the administration remains focused on long-term solutions.

Benue’s History of Conflict and the Urgency for Resolution

Benue State has long struggled with violence arising from clashes between pastoralist herders, many of whom are Fulani, and farming communities, particularly those from the Tiv ethnic group. These disputes often revolve around land use, grazing routes, and cultural differences.

The most recent killings have sparked outrage, with human rights groups and international observers calling for the Nigerian government to act swiftly and decisively. Several villages in the state have been attacked, with homes burned and residents displaced, creating a humanitarian crisis in the affected areas.

President Tinubu’s renewed intervention signals the federal government’s intent to not only stop the violence but also to address its root causes. This includes tackling issues of resource competition, ethnic mistrust, and lack of effective conflict management.

Conclusion

President Tinubu’s latest directive is a clear signal of his administration’s intent to end the deadly violence in Benue State and other affected regions. By deploying security forces and empowering Governor Alia to lead peace talks, the government is taking a dual approach—combining military presence with reconciliation.

The coming weeks will test the effectiveness of this strategy. Achieving peace will depend not just on security enforcement but also on the willingness of communities to engage in honest dialogue and the commitment of political leaders to act in the interest of peace and unity.

With lives at stake and the international community watching, Nigeria’s leadership faces a critical moment in its effort to break the cycle of violence and restore hope to those affected by years of conflict.