Tinubu Deploys Special Security Forces to Benue State as Killings Continue: "Enough is Now Enough"

 

The Federal Government of Nigeria has deployed a special joint security task force to Benue State to confront the growing insecurity and halt the wave of killings, attacks, and unrest that have rocked various local government areas across the state. This critical move comes under the direct mandate of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who has expressed deep concern over the unrelenting violence in the North-Central region.

According to official sources, the special security forces comprise a combined team of operatives drawn from the Nigerian military, police, and intelligence agencies. These forces have been charged with the responsibility of restoring law and order, protecting lives and property, and dismantling terrorist networks operating in Benue and neighboring states.

This deployment follows a renewed directive from President Tinubu to Nigeria’s security chiefs, urging them to carry out, without further delay, his standing orders to restore lasting peace to the embattled region.

Tinubu: "Enough is Now Enough"

In a powerful statement released by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu did not mince words in condemning the continued bloodshed in Benue. He described the persistent killings as unacceptable and called on political leaders in the state to unite in support of the security agencies.

“The latest news of wanton killings in Benue State is very depressing. We must not allow this bloodletting to continue unabated. Enough is now enough."

President Tinubu emphasized the urgent need for a multi-stakeholder approach, stressing that the time had come for all leaders, especially at the state level, to put aside political differences and work for the collective good of the people.

“This is the time for Governor Alia to act as a statesman and immediately lead the process of dialogue and reconciliation that will bring peace to Benue.

Our people must live in peace, and it is possible when leaders across the divides work together in harmony and differences are identified and addressed with fairness, openness and justice.”

A Region Under Siege

Benue State, known as the “Food Basket of the Nation,” has for years been plagued by violent clashes, banditry, and coordinated terrorist attacks. The state has become one of the epicenters of violence in Nigeria’s North-Central region, with many communities constantly under threat from armed militias, suspected herdsmen, and other criminal elements.

In recent months, the violence in Benue has escalated, leading to hundreds of deaths, the destruction of farmlands, and the displacement of thousands of residents. Local government areas such as Guma, Logo, Ukum, and Agatu have been repeatedly attacked, with entire villages razed and civilians murdered in their homes or on their farms.

The conflict, often described as a complex mix of ethnic, religious, and land-based disputes, has deepened over the years, despite multiple security interventions. With agriculture being the mainstay of Benue’s economy, these repeated attacks have also caused severe food shortages and economic hardship for locals.

Federal Government’s Swift Response

In light of these growing atrocities, President Tinubu’s decision to deploy a combined security force is being seen as a critical step toward ending the cycle of violence. Security analysts believe the presence of a unified force — made up of the military, police, and intelligence operatives — could help neutralize the armed groups terrorizing rural communities.

The President’s renewed directive also reaffirms his commitment to national security and the protection of all Nigerian citizens, regardless of their ethnic or religious background.

By bringing together Nigeria’s top security agencies and giving them full federal backing, the administration is signaling that it is prepared to use all available means to restore peace in Benue and other troubled regions.

A Call for Unity and Peace

While the deployment of special forces is a vital step, President Tinubu also made it clear that the lasting solution to Benue’s crisis lies in political unity and community-level reconciliation.

He called on political leaders in Benue — both at the state and federal levels — to come together and support peace initiatives. According to him, peace cannot be achieved by force alone but through open dialogue, mutual respect, and a commitment to justice.

This is particularly significant given the recent tensions between different ethnic and political groups in the state. By urging Governor Hyacinth Alia to take on the role of a unifying statesman, the President is placing responsibility on local leadership to facilitate peace talks and mediate between warring factions.

“This is the time for Governor Alia to act as a statesman and immediately lead the process of dialogue and reconciliation,” President Tinubu said.

“Our people must live in peace… when leaders across the divides work together in harmony and differences are identified and addressed with fairness, openness and justice.”

What Comes Next?

With the federal government’s full backing and a renewed mandate for security forces to act decisively, residents of Benue are hopeful that this may finally bring an end to the violence. However, they also know that military might alone will not solve the deep-rooted issues fueling the conflict.

Many community leaders, civil society groups, and traditional rulers have long called for a peace and reconciliation framework that goes beyond military operations. This includes:

• Disarmament and demobilization of militias.

• Dialogue between farmers and herders.

• Resettlement of displaced persons.

• Justice for victims of past attacks.

• Access to agricultural land without fear of violence.

The success of the latest security intervention will therefore depend on how well it is integrated with local peacebuilding efforts.

Public Reaction

Many Nigerians have welcomed the President’s strong stance on the Benue crisis, particularly his no-nonsense declaration that “enough is now enough.” On social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook, users praised the President for taking decisive action after weeks of rising tension.

However, some have also expressed skepticism, citing similar deployments in the past that failed to produce long-term results. They urged the federal government to follow through with community-based solutions, not just military crackdowns.

Others called on Governor Alia and Benue's political leaders to rise above partisanship and prioritize the safety and welfare of their people.

Conclusion: A Chance to End the Bloodshed

Benue State stands at a crossroads. With the full weight of the Nigerian government now behind the push for peace, and the President sending a clear and forceful message, the state has a unique opportunity to break free from the cycle of violence that has plagued it for too long.

President Tinubu’s deployment of special forces is only the beginning. What will ultimately make the difference is the willingness of political leaders, traditional institutions, civil society groups, and ordinary citizens to work together — not just for peace, but for justice, equity, and a secure future for all.

As the President rightly said:

“Our people must live in peace… and it is possible when leaders across the divides work together in harmony.”