IGP Rallies Benue Communities for Lasting Peace

From Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Disu, on Thursday declared the worsening insecurity in Benue State unacceptable, describing the persistent attacks as a source of “sleepless nights” for residents and security agencies.

He assured the people that President Bola Tinubu had directed that the wave of killings and criminal activities in the state must be brought to an end.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ security meeting in Makurdi, Disu lamented that Benue, once known for its peaceful and hospitable nature, had become overwhelmed by violence. He said the security crisis had gone beyond the traditional farmer-herder conflict, with kidnappers, armed gangs, cult groups and alleged political interests now contributing to the growing insecurity across the state.
The IGP urged Benue youths to resist being recruited by influential individuals to perpetrate violence, particularly during elections, warning that young people often bear the greatest consequences of conflict. He condemned the cycle of attacks and reprisals, stressing that lasting peace could only be achieved through collective efforts.
Disu warned that only authorised security personnel were permitted to carry firearms and vowed that the police would intensify efforts to recover illegal weapons. He disclosed that officers had been directed to act decisively under Force Order 237 whenever confronted by armed criminals. He also appealed to traditional rulers, elders, youths and community leaders to support security agencies by providing credible intelligence.
Responding to concerns over the performance of the Nigeria Police Force, the IGP admitted that the police were not perfect but maintained that Nigerian security personnel remained among the best globally. He assured residents that complaints against police officers would be promptly investigated and directed the Benue Commissioner of Police to make his contact details publicly available to enable residents report crimes and police misconduct, emphasising that the police exist to serve the people.
Disu also introduced the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Mobile Policing, Mr. Francis Iduh, who unveiled a new operational strategy aimed at reclaiming troubled communities across the state. Iduh disclosed that security agencies had identified 14 major flashpoints for targeted intervention, including Bajimba, Arufu, Agasha, Kwande, Agatu, Naka, Otukpo, Makurdi, Apa and other vulnerable communities.
He explained that a 14-day operation involving stability and clearance patrols would focus on reclaiming forests, farmlands and criminal hideouts while targeting armed herders, bandits and other criminal elements without victimising innocent residents. He appealed to communities to support the operation with credible intelligence.
Governor Hyacinth Alia described the IGP’s visit as timely and a clear demonstration of the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to restoring peace through collaboration with the Benue State Government. He noted that insecurity had disrupted farming activities, claimed many lives and threatened Benue’s status as the nation’s food basket.
The governor said his administration had consistently supported security agencies with operational vehicles, motorcycles, communication gadgets and other logistics, while strengthening inter-agency collaboration through regular Security Council meetings, intelligence sharing and coordinated operations. He pledged full support for the planned 14-day security operation and promised continued assistance to security personnel and the families of fallen heroes.
Alia reiterated his support for the establishment of state police, arguing that officers with knowledge of local communities, languages and terrain would be better equipped to tackle insecurity. He also urged traditional rulers, community leaders and residents to work closely with security agencies by providing timely information, stressing that security is a collective responsibility.
The Tor Tiv, Prof. James Ayatse, welcomed the IGP’s intervention and said the security crisis confronting Benue was far more complex than commonly portrayed. He identified four major threats facing the state: attacks by armed criminal herders allegedly operating from neighbouring Nasarawa State, indigenous armed gangs involved in kidnapping and robbery, communal and boundary disputes, and cult groups operating in urban areas.
Ayatse lamented that many communities had been displaced, with several victims living outside official Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps despite repeated intelligence reports warning of impending attacks. He also alleged that some politicians might be benefiting from the insecurity to undermine the state government and called on the police to investigate possible sponsors, while pledging the support of the Benue people for efforts to restore peace.
Speaking on behalf of the Muslim community, the Chairman of Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) in Benue State, Garba Baba, said Muslims in the state had no conflict with any group and reaffirmed the organisation’s support for Governor Alia’s administration and all efforts aimed at restoring lasting peace across Benue.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Benue State, Rev. Jonathan Terwase Ugbede, commended President Bola Tinubu, the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, and IGP Olatunji Disu for showing concern over the security challenges confronting the state. He urged the police to act swiftly on threats circulated through social media before attacks occur and recommended regular engagement with traditional rulers, youths, religious leaders and community groups to strengthen intelligence gathering and crime prevention.