National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu, during a visit to Benue State on April 22, stated that President Bola Tinubu’s administration inherited a severe security crisis but is working hard to restore stability across Nigeria.
Ribadu’s visit to Makurdi aimed to commiserate with the government and people of Benue following attacks by suspected herdsmen, which claimed over 72 lives in Katsina-Ala, Ukum, and Logo local government areas.
He acknowledged the efforts of security forces but noted the challenge of covering every hamlet, adding, “Our armed forces are doing well. It is impossible to post soldiers or police to every hamlet. Give us a chance and stop politicising the killings. This will help us to restore peace.”
Ribadu claimed progress in reducing violence compared to the inherited situation, stating, “We inherited an extremely bad government, and things have improved, and we will address all these issues cropping up. It is a matter of time; to do the harm is easy, but to solve it is difficult. We have considerably reduced the number of violent (incidents) we met. This one, too, we will confront it.” He called for patience and warned against politicising the crisis.
Alia noted state efforts, including purchasing 100 Hilux vehicles and 600 motorcycles for security, but stressed the need for urgent federal support, stating, “We need help like yesterday. The president has been very supportive, and we hope that support will come.”
Alia identified the attackers as speaking Fulani and Hausa, alleging a deliberate strategy to kill and occupy land, and urged President Tinubu to expel the “killer herdsmen”, saying, “We are helpless. We do not have AK-47. We are defenceless. We tell the people to be law-abiding, and the attackers take advantage of this. We are not in a banana republic.”
Chief Iyorkyaa Kaave, representing Tor Sankera Chief David Sevav, reported an additional 11 deaths in Afia, Ukum, with more bodies being discovered. He appealed to Tinubu to hold the perpetrators accountable for the ongoing atrocities.
