From Henry Ibya, Makurdi
Inspector-General of Police, IGP, Kayode Egbetokun has reiterated his commitment to ensure that perpetrators of Saturday’s attack on Yelewata community in Benue State, which claimed over 200 lives, are not only arrested, but brought to justice for peace to return to the affected communities.
Egbetokun, who gave the assurance yesterday in Makurdi when he visited Governor Hyacinth Alia to commiserate with him and the people, as well as carry out on-the-ground assessment, following the recent brutal attacks on Yelewata Community where suspected armed herders, described the killings as senseless and tragic assault, not only on Benue State, but on the sovereignty and integrity of Nigeria.
The IGP noted that President Bola Tinubu was deeply saddened by the news of the attack and remains determined to end the reign of impunity by criminal gangs and terror elements across the country, assuring the people of the federal government’s commitment to bring the perpetrators to justice in order to restore lasting peace.
He said the mindless acts of terror are not just attacks on Benue State, but on the nation, stressing that an attack on any community in Nigeria should be considered an attack on the entire country.
The IGP promised sustained collaboration with the state government and other security agencies to ensure the protection of lives and property.
Governor Alia, in his response, expressed appreciation for the IGP’s prompt visit and the continuous support of the Nigeria Police Force.
He told the IGP that the people of Benue are in sorrow, expressing optimism that the visit had uplifted their spirits, as well as assurance that they are not alone in this journey.
The governor thanked President Tinubu and the IGP for their swift response, acknowledging the support government always receives whenever they are called upon while in desperate situations.
He affirmed that the various squads and units deployed in times of need have been quite supportive in the fight against insurgency.
The governor also highlighted the progress made in curbing violence since the inception of his administration, recalling that 17 local government areas were under persistent attacks at the start of his tenure, a figure that had significantly reduced through joint efforts with security agencies before the recent resurgence of violence.
Alia reaffirmed commitment to work closely together, along with the federal government, security agencies and other stakeholders to bring lasting peace and security to Benue communities, calling on youths not to take laws into their hands.
