President Bola Tinubu has directed the security chiefs to arrest perpetrators of last Friday’s massacre in the Yelewata community in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State.
Tinubu gave the order on Wednesday while speaking during a town hall meeting with political leaders in Benue State.
“Christopher… We need to get our ears to the ground. Let’s get those criminals. Let’s get them out,” Tinubu told the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, during a town hall meeting.
Tinubu earlier visited persons recovering from last Friday’s attack by armed herders at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital.
He was received by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, and the host Governor, Hyacinth Alia. The attack claimed over 100 lives.
Meanwhile, Tinubu stated on Wednesday that he has learnt from those who constantly insult him.
The president stated this while speaking during a town hall meeting with political leaders in Benue State, a hotbed of recent killings by armed herdsmen that claimed at least 100 lives.
“No matter what I do, they will insult me. I read the papers and I learn from their criticism because I can’t see it all,” Tinubu said.
Speaking to the Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, he said, “Your political enemies don’t want you to succeed. Are you just realising that?”
He called on leaders from across the region to work together.
“We cannot do without another.
“I will want us to create a leadership committee now to meet in Abuja to fashion out a strategy for lasting peace. And I am ready to invest in that peace,” he said.
The president also directed Alia to work with all stakeholders and act as a father to everyone in the state.
He announced the establishment of a Committee of Elders, which will include all former governors of Benue and the current Governor of Nasarawa State, to help chart a path to peace.
Tinubu also urged the governor to provide land for ranching as part of the efforts to address the persistent farmer-herder crisis.
Appealing to the people of Benue, Tinubu called on all citizens to unite and work together toward lasting peace.
He further charged traditional rulers to collaborate closely with the government in achieving stability and reconciliation.
Advising Alia, Tinubu said, “Be ready for insults that is the yoke of leadership. Get your lantern. Seek out those leaders and join forces to find solutions.”