YELWATA, BENUE STATE – Nigeria’s top security chiefs have visited Yelwata community in Benue State following a deadly attack that left scores of villagers dead, homes burnt, and families in mourning. The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, and the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, led the high-level delegation to the community on a condolence and security assessment mission.
The visit came in response to growing public outcry over the repeated killings in Benue, with Yelwata being the latest victim of what many now call a reign of terror.
Speaking to newsmen during the visit, General Musa said the attack was not only on Yelwata, but on the entire Nigerian nation.
“This is one attack too many. It is not just an attack on Benue people, it is an attack on all Nigerians,” he said. “We will not accept this anymore. We are here because we are committed to ending this evil once and for all.”
General Musa said many attacks have been silently prevented by the military and police, but the Yelwata massacre has exposed the need for deeper cooperation between security agencies and local communities.
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“Because this attack happened does not mean we have not been working. We have been deploying, we have been collaborating with the police, DSS, and other units,” he said.
He made a passionate appeal to the residents: “You know your environment more than we do. You know strangers when they come in. You see unusual movement. Please report these signs early. We promise to keep your information confidential.”
Benue Must Not Bleed Alone – IGP Speaks
On his part, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, expressed deep sorrow over the killings and called it “a tragedy that must not be allowed to continue.”
“We are tired of innocent lives being wasted. Enough is enough,” he said. “We will change our approach. I will meet with my commanders immediately. We must review our strategy and act fast.”
The IGP acknowledged that past attacks may have been aided by insider information, citing how some communities were clearly targeted.
“This is why we are engaging the local chiefs, elders, and youths. We must work together to rebuild trust. Our success depends on community involvement,” he added.
He also revealed that the security agencies are strengthening patrols around Benue’s borders with neighboring states like Nasarawa to prevent the influx of foreign attackers.
“We have intelligence that some attackers come from across the borders. We are ready to go after them. We will not wait for them to strike first.”
Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, who received the delegation, thanked President Bola Tinubu for his quick response and support. According to the governor, the presence of the IGP and the Chief of Defence Staff was a major show of concern and commitment.
“The president called me immediately after the incident and offered his condolences. Now, seeing the heads of the military and police here is very reassuring,” Alia said.
He called the killings “unprovoked and inhumane,” urging the community not to lose hope. “We must stay united and alert. Security has now been reinforced in the area, and that will bring a huge difference.”
Governor Alia also consoled the families of the victims and prayed for peace across the state. “This evil must end. We cannot allow Benue to continue bleeding. The souls of our people deserve rest. We must stay strong and hopeful.”
The visit by Nigeria’s top security officers marks a new phase in the country’s fight against rural banditry, especially in the North Central region. Their message was clear: the killings in Benue must stop, and the government is ready to take firm action.
“We are going to take the battle to the criminals,” General Musa said. “This madness must stop—and it will stop.”
The security chiefs also hinted at continued visits to other affected areas, including Nasarawa State, to build joint action plans and tighten border surveillance.
