Yelwata, Benue State — The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has visited Benue State in the wake of recent deadly attacks in Guma Local Government Area that left dozens dead and many more displaced.
Egbetokun, who arrived in the state on Monday, held a meeting with leaders of the Yelwata community, one of the worst-hit areas, to assess the situation and chart a path forward. He was accompanied by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa.
In a post shared via the official X (formerly Twitter) handle of the Nigeria Police Force, the visit was described as part of efforts to engage directly with affected communities and restore public confidence in the face of the ongoing crisis.
“IGP live at Yelwata community, Guma LGA, Benue State, alongside the CDS, General Christopher Musa, where he assessed the damage and engaged community leaders,” the post read.
Following his assessment, the IGP ordered the immediate deployment of additional tactical teams to Benue State to bolster ongoing security operations in the area.
The move comes amid mounting public anger and widespread calls on social media platforms for the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency in the state.
The recent attacks, allegedly carried out by suspected herders, triggered a two-day wave of killings that left at least 45 people confirmed dead in Guma LGA. However, local officials and community leaders fear the death toll could exceed 200, with harrowing accounts of entire families burnt alive and security personnel among the casualties.
Critics have also faulted the federal government for its perceived silence and slow response to the Benue crisis, especially when compared to the swift intervention during the political unrest in Rivers State in March, which prompted a state of emergency despite no reported fatalities.
As calls for justice and urgent intervention continue, security agencies are under pressure to restore order and prevent further bloodshed in the troubled region.
