• 20 Jun, 2025
• Faith Kegh
• No comment

Tinubu Orders Swift Justice After Benue Massacre as Military and Stakeholders Mobilize for Peace.

In response to the recent massacre in Yelewata, Benue State, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the military and police to take immediate action to apprehend those responsible. At least 147 people were killed in the Guma Local Gover

nment Area last weekend, prompting national outrage and urgent calls for justice.

The President issued this directive during a stakeholder meeting held at the Benue State Government House in Makurdi, emphasizing the need for stronger intelligence operations and rapid response to ongoing violence in the region.

Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, confirmed that the military is actively implementing the President’s order. Speaking at Defence Headquarters in Abuja, General Musa highlighted the critical role of the media in supporting national security efforts, stating that the battle is not just physical but also one for “the hearts and minds of the people.”

He called for a collaborative relationship with journalists to help promote unity, resilience, and trust in military operations.

    High-Level Peace Committee Announced

In a parallel move, President Tinubu appointed Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, to lead a high-powered peace committee. The group includes former governors, traditional rulers such as the Tor Tiv and Och’Idoma, and other key community leaders.

Akume assured the public of his commitment, pledging to work closely with local communities, civil society groups, and security forces to create a lasting framework for peace and reconciliation in Benue and the broader Northcentral region.

    Tinubu Means Business,” Says Senator Yari

Senator Abdul-Aziz Abubakar Yari, representing Zamfara West, expressed confidence in the President’s resolve, noting that Tinubu does not make empty promises. He praised the President’s hands-on approach, including his personal visit to Benue, as a sign of genuine leadership.

Yari stressed the need for a unified national effort, urging Nigerians to take personal responsibility for community safety alongside government actions.

    Southern, Middle Belt Leaders Call for State Police

Meanwhile, the Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum (SMBLF) renewed its call for the creation of state police forces, arguing that the current centralized structure is failing to protect lives.

At an emergency meeting in Akure, forum leaders from Afenifere, the Middle Belt Forum, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, and the Pan-Niger Delta Forum jointly issued a statement urging a decentralized security model. They proposed that each state have its own independent police command, with local governments empowered to handle security challenges directly.

The forum rejected the idea of a National Forest Guard under federal control and instead called for the strengthening of regional outfits like Amotekun with legal authority and adequate weaponry.

According to SMBLF, federal responses to violence have become “fire-brigade” reactions, lacking in long-term effectiveness and placing unsustainable pressure on the military.

   Conclusion: A Turning Point for Security in Nigeria?

With heightened military involvement, a high-level peace committee, and increased calls for decentralized policing, Nigeria may be at a critical juncture in addressing its persistent security crises. The next steps will determine whether these efforts can break the cycle of violence and rebuild trust among affected communities.

Faith Kegh

Content & Editorial Manager – Leads the creation, review, and publication of high-quality news and media content. She ensures that all editorial work reflects the organization’s standards of accuracy, professionalism, and relevance, while also engaging and informing the audience.

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