The Inspector General of Police has declared a decisive crackdown on insecurity in Benue State with the launch of a 14-day intensive security operation aimed at restoring peace and ending persistent killings across the state.
Speaking during a town hall meeting with stakeholders in Makurdi on Thursday, the IGP described the worsening insecurity in Benue as “unacceptable,” noting that the violence had become a source of sleepless nights for both residents and security agencies. He disclosed that President Bola Tinubu had directed security agencies to end the persistent killings and restore peace to the state.
“The insecurity in Benue is unacceptable. It has become a source of sleepless nights for the people and security agencies. Mr. President has made it clear that this situation will no longer be tolerated,” the IGP stated.
The operation will target armed criminal herders, kidnappers, bandits, cultists, and other criminal elements responsible for attacks across the state. The police chief directed officers to act decisively against armed criminals in line with Force Order 237, while assuring residents that complaints against erring officers would be investigated. He also warned youths against allowing themselves to be recruited by politicians and other influential individuals for violence, especially during elections, stressing that the police would clamp down on illegal possession of firearms.
Governor Hyacinth Alia welcomed the security initiative, describing it as timely. He reiterated his support for the establishment of state police, arguing that officers familiar with local communities would be better positioned to tackle insecurity.
The Tor Tiv, Prof. James Ayatse, identified armed criminal herders, indigenous armed gangs, communal conflicts, and cult groups as the major security threats facing the state, while urging security agencies to investigate those allegedly sponsoring the violence.
The Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Police Mobile Force, Francis Iduh, said security agencies had identified 14 major flashpoints for intensive operations. The IGP called on traditional rulers, religious leaders, and community members to support security agencies with credible intelligence, pledging to continue visiting Benue until lasting peace is restored.
This major security push comes amid heightened concerns over violence in the state and signals a renewed federal commitment to tackling the crisis head-on.
