Inspector General Of Police Arrives In Benue, Assigns Additional Specialized Units To Halt Violence.
MAKURDI, 17 June 2025 – Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun arrived in Benue State on Monday to oversee efforts to quell the escalating violence that has claimed over 100 lives in recent attacks, notably in Yelwata, Guma Local Government Area. Accompanied by Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa, Egbetokun deployed additional specialised units, including tactical squads and aerial surveillance helicopters, to flashpoints across the state.
During a courtesy visit to Governor Hyacinth Alia, Egbetokun condemned the attacks as “senseless and an act of terrorism,” assuring the state of the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to restoring peace. He inspected damage in Yelwata, where over 100 people were killed on 13 June, and engaged with community leaders to gather insights into the crisis. The IGP’s visit follows President Bola Tinubu’s directive to security agencies to apprehend perpetrators and prevent further bloodshed.
Benue Police Commissioner Ifeanyi Enemari reported significant progress, with 42 bandits and 10 herders arrested and 10 firearms, including two AK-47 rifles, recovered. The operations have been bolstered by the deployment of three additional helicopters for aerial patrols, aimed at disrupting the bandits’ movements in forested areas. However, residents have expressed concerns about the sustainability of these measures, given the region’s history of recurrent violence.
The IGP’s presence has sparked cautious optimism, though some community leaders have called for more than just arrests, advocating for dialogue with stakeholders to address underlying issues like land disputes and grazing rights.
Egbetokun’s visit is a critical step in the federal response to Benue’s crisis, but long-term success will require coordinated efforts beyond military action. The IGP has pledged to maintain a robust security presence, while analysts urge the government to invest in community engagement and economic development to break the cycle of violence.
