The Benue State Commissioner of Police, Emenari Ifeanyi Innocent, has disclosed that his officers engaged in a prolonged gun battle with attackers who massacred over 200 people in Yelewata community, Guma Local Government Area on Saturday.
"We exchanged gunfire with the attackers for more than six hours during the Yelewata incident. I was monitoring the situation in real time," Commissioner Emenari stated while addressing protesting youths on Sunday.
The youths had gathered en masse to demand an end to the persistent bloodshed in the state, expressing frustration over the security situation that has plagued several communities in Benue.
Security Situation a 'Passing Phase'
Attempting to reassure the public, the Commissioner described the ongoing security challenges as a temporary phase that would soon be over. He urged citizens to remain calm and support security agencies in their efforts to restore peace.
"In the last one month, you'll notice that security presence has intensified across the state. This is just a phase. We are already passing through it," Emenari explained. "It's like a snake, when you cut off its head, it still struggles for a while. That is what you're seeing now. But we have already cut the head of the snake. Peace will definitely return."
The Commissioner reaffirmed his commitment to addressing insecurity in the state, promising that the police force would not rest until Benue enjoys lasting peace.
Rising Tensions in Benue
The Yelewata massacre represents one of the deadliest attacks in recent times in Benue State, which has long struggled with security challenges, particularly along the Benue-Nasarawa corridor.
Reports indicate that 33 persons from the North were arrested in Makurdi in connection with killings in Benue, though authorities have not confirmed if these arrests are directly linked to the Yelewata incident.
The situation remains tense as residents demand more decisive action from both state and federal security agencies to prevent further attacks and bring perpetrators to justice.
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