The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has arrived in Benue State following a devastating attack in Yelewata community, Guma Local Government Area, where nearly 250 people were reportedly killed by suspected herdsmen.
According to a statement posted on the Nigeria Police Force's official Facebook page on Monday, the IGP has "ordered for additional deployment of tactical teams" to address the security crisis in the region.
Details of the Attack
Suspected Fulani herdsmen attacked the community near Makurdi, the state capital, burning unsuspecting citizens alive in what has been described as one of the most brutal attacks in the region's recent history.
The massacre has sparked outrage across the state, with hundreds of Benue youths staging a protest in Makurdi on Sunday to draw global attention to the incessant and deadly attacks occurring in the state.
Government Response
The federal government's response has been met with controversy. Reports indicate that President Tinubu's description of the incident as a "reprisal attack" has drawn criticism from various quarters, including former Representative Gbillah, who suggested that such characterization implies the president "knows the killers."
Additionally, there appears to be a discrepancy between the Nigerian government's casualty figures and those provided by Governor Alia of Benue State, with the federal government confirming that over 200 people were killed in the attacks.
Calls for Intervention
The Idoma Forum has characterized the situation as "ethnic cleansing" and called for immediate intervention. Meanwhile, the Nigeria Union of Journalists has expressed concern that the killings are negatively impacting Nigeria's international image.
This attack is part of a pattern of violence that has plagued Benue State for years, with farming communities often targeted in conflicts frequently attributed to disputes over land and resources.
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