IGP Egbetokun Describes Benue Massacre as a National Tragedy, Promises Stronger Police Action to End Terrorism in the State
In a deeply emotional and strongly worded statement, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has described the brutal massacre in Yelwata community, Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, as “mindless” and “a threat to the sovereignty and integrity of the entire nation.” His remarks came during an official visit to Benue for an on-the-spot assessment following a fresh wave of attacks that reportedly left over 200 innocent Nigerians dead.
Egbetokun’s visit, which forms part of a broader federal government response to the deteriorating security situation in the North-Central state, has drawn both sorrow and renewed hope from leaders and citizens in Benue. In his address, he promised improved collaboration between the Nigeria Police Force and other sister security agencies in a bid to restore lasting peace to the region.
"This Is Terror Against the Nation," Says IGP Egbetokun
While speaking to journalists and community leaders during his assessment visit, IGP Kayode Egbetokun did not mince words in expressing his outrage and sadness over the carnage in Yelwata. He stressed that the attack was not just a local or regional issue, but one that challenges the foundation of Nigeria’s national security and unity.
“This is not just an attack on Benue State,” Egbetokun said. “It is a terror attack on Nigeria as a whole. It is a direct threat to our sovereignty and integrity as a nation. It is mindless and must be stopped.”
The police chief emphasized that Nigerians, regardless of where they live, must be protected from such violent and senseless acts, adding that the Nigeria Police Force would not relent in its duties.
A Message of Hope and Assurance
IGP Egbetokun made it clear that the days of terrorists and bandits operating with impunity across Nigeria, especially in border communities, are numbered. He issued a strong warning to those behind the continued bloodshed in Benue:
“The bandits operating with impunity will soon be a thing of the past because the day will surely come where they will come and never return again, and that day is fast approaching.”
This powerful assurance was not just symbolic; the IGP’s words were backed by concrete plans to increase police presence, reinforce inter-agency collaboration, and deploy more resources to secure lives and property in the region.
“We may not be at every inch of the State,” he admitted, “but we are going to deploy adequate personnel, and we will work closely with sister security agencies to ensure the protection of lives and properties.”
President Tinubu Fully Briefed, Deeply Saddened by Tragedy
According to IGP Egbetokun, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been fully briefed about the tragic events in Benue. The President, he said, was “deeply saddened” by the news of the attack and is committed to bringing an end to what he described as “the reign of impunity and terror” across the state and Nigeria at large.
“President Tinubu is deeply saddened on hearing the news of fresh attacks on vulnerable communities in Benue. He is committed to ensuring that this reign of criminal gangs and terror is permanently defeated.”
The message from the President, relayed by the IGP, is part of a growing federal consensus that the issue of insecurity in Benue and across Nigeria’s Middle Belt region must be tackled with renewed urgency.
Governor Hyacinth Alia: "We Are Bleeding, But Hope Has Arrived"
Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, expressed profound gratitude to IGP Egbetokun and President Tinubu for their swift and compassionate response to the tragedy. Speaking with visible emotion, Governor Alia described the situation in Benue as dire but stressed that the visit by the IGP has rekindled hope among the people.
“We are bleeding, we are in sorrow, we are not sleeping again,” he lamented. “But seeing you, I believe your visit will uplift our spirits and build within us a formidable assurance of peace in our communities.”
Governor Alia said the visit of the IGP came at a critical time when many in Benue were beginning to feel abandoned. He noted that this renewed federal attention will give the affected communities hope that they are not alone in their pain.
“Your assurance will help in re-enkindling the hope of the people in the affected communities that they are not alone, and that you will continue to be there to support us in this journey to fight against terrorism.”
From 17 LGAs to 6: Progress and Recent Setbacks
In his address, Governor Alia gave a historical overview of the violence in Benue, pointing out that before his administration took office, at least 17 local government areas were severely affected by banditry and armed attacks. Through determined efforts, the state government reduced the number of affected LGAs to nine and then to six.
However, in the last two months, the state has experienced a resurgence in violence, including the recent devastating attacks in Guma, Ukum, and Logo LGAs.
“We had reduced the violence from 17 LGAs to just 6, but sadly, there has been a surge in the last two months. However, with the directives by President Tinubu and the renewed security focus, we are confident that these sorrowful narratives will become history.”
A Call for Justice and Security Reform
The killings in Yelwata and other parts of Benue have reignited national calls for a more robust security architecture in Nigeria. Security experts have often pointed to the inadequacy of manpower and intelligence in rural and border communities, a problem IGP Egbetokun acknowledged during his visit.
He emphasized that while the Nigeria Police may not be present in every village, the goal is to optimize resource allocation and ensure that vulnerable communities receive protection through strategic deployments.
“We are aware of the challenges, especially in border areas. That’s why synergy with other forces, including the military, Civil Defence, and intelligence agencies, is key to our strategy going forward.”
What’s Next for Benue?
With IGP Egbetokun’s visit and President Tinubu’s support, there is growing optimism that Benue may finally turn the page on years of violence and impunity. However, for that to happen, both federal and state governments must sustain their focus, fund local security initiatives, and continue to give victims a voice.
Benue remains one of the most affected states in the country by herdsmen-related violence, and communities like Yelwata have become tragic symbols of the human cost of insecurity in Nigeria.
As the nation watches closely, the hope is that this renewed attention will translate into real and lasting change—not just for Benue, but for all regions battling similar crises.
NaijaRush will continue to monitor and report updates on this developing story. For in-depth coverage of Benue State killings, national security updates, and political reactions, stay connected to our blog.
