President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has taken firm action following the devastating attack that has claimed no fewer than 150 lives in Yelewata community, Guma Local Government Area of Benue State. Describing the incident as “senseless bloodletting,” Tinubu declared, “Enough is now enough!” and ordered the immediate deployment of military and police personnel to the troubled region.
In a show of commitment, the president has also promised to visit Benue on Wednesday, June 18, 2025. The visit, which will now take place in place of his earlier scheduled trip to Kaduna, aims to show solidarity with the people of Benue. During his visit, Tinubu is expected to meet with victims’ families, traditional rulers, community leaders, and youth groups in a town-hall meeting focused on finding lasting peace.
Ahead of his visit, top security officials including the National Security Adviser, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, and heads of military and intelligence agencies have already arrived in the state to take charge of security operations. The President has also directed the immediate implementation of his earlier order to restore peace and ensure the arrest and prosecution of all those responsible for the attacks—regardless of which side of the conflict they belong to.
President Tinubu called on Governor Hyacinth Alia to act as a statesman and lead reconciliation efforts between farmers, herders, and local communities. He emphasized that dialogue and peaceful coexistence must go hand in hand with security enforcement to prevent further bloodshed.
