President Bola Tinubu has issued firm directives to Nigeria's security chiefs to implement immediate measures aimed at restoring peace in violence-affected areas, with particular focus on Benue State.
The President has simultaneously tasked Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia with the urgent responsibility of convening reconciliation meetings among conflicting groups within the state, according to a statement released on Sunday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
President Tinubu specifically called on Governor Alia to initiate dialogue between warring parties, including farmers, herders, and local communities to "end the cycle of violence and foster peaceful coexistence."
President Condemns Killings
Describing the ongoing killings as "inhuman and anti-progress," the President urged political and community leaders to exercise restraint in their public statements to avoid inflaming tensions further.
"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," President Tinubu stated.
"I have directed the security agencies to act decisively and arrest perpetrators of these evil acts on all sides of the conflict and prosecute them. Political and community leaders in Benue State must act responsibly and avoid inflammatory utterances that could further increase tensions and killings," he added.
Call for Collective Peacebuilding
The President emphasized the need for a united approach to peacebuilding, calling on Governor Alia to lead a process of dialogue and reconciliation.
"This is the time for Governor Alia to act as a statesman and immediately lead the process of dialogue and reconciliation that will bring peace to Benue. Our people must live in peace, and it is possible when leaders across the divides work together in harmony and differences are identified and addressed with fairness, openness, and justice," the statement concluded.
The presidential directive comes amid escalating violence in Benue State, which has witnessed recurring conflicts between farming communities and herders, resulting in significant loss of lives and property.
Stay updated with the latest news! Follow BenriNews on our social media platforms:
