By: Titus Akor, Makurdi.

The Inspector General of Police Olatunji Disu has Condemned in its entirety the insecurity situation in Benue describing it as unacceptable and a source of sleepless nights for residents and Security agencies.

Olatunji made the condemnation on Thursday at Government House Makurdi while fielding questions from Journalists shortly after a security meeting with Stakeholders.

He explained Benue was known for peace and hospitable but had been overtaken by violence.

IGP noted that the crisis had gone beyond farmer-herder clashes, with criminal gangs, kidnappers and political interests worsening the situation.

Olatunji Urged youths not to allow themselves to be used by influential individuals to perpetrate violence, Condemned the cycle of attacks and reprisals, stressing that it must end.

He Conveyed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive that insecurity in Benue would no longer be tolerated.

He warned that only authorised security personnel were permitted to bear arms and vowed to crack down on illegal firearms.

The IGP said the police officers had been directed to act decisively under Force Order 237 when confronted by armed criminals.

He Called on elders, traditional rulers, youths and community leaders to cooperate with security agencies and Promise to remain a regular visitor to the State until the desired peace is restored.

IGP urged Benue youths to shun violence and resist being used as political thugs, especially during elections, noting that young people often bear the greatest burden of conflicts.

He commended the people of Benue, particularly the youths, for supporting security agencies and encouraged parents to caution their children against participating in violence.

Responding to concerns about the performance of the Nigeria Police Force, Disu explained that Nigeria police officers, soldiers and professionals are respected globally for their competence, stressing that the challenge at home requires collective efforts to overcome.

IGP stressed that policing is built on community partnership, directing the Benue Commissioner of Police to make his contact details publicly available so that residents could easily report crimes and police misconduct.

He reminded citizens that the police belong to the people and exist to serve them, not to dominate them, Urged the public to report erring officers instead of remaining silent.

The IGP also introduced the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Mobile Policing, Francis Iduh, to explain the security operations and strategies planned to tackle insecurity in Benue State.

The Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Mobile Policing, Mr Francis Iduh revealed that the force had identified 14 major security flashpoints across Benue for targeted operations.

According to him the vulnerable areas, including Gbajimba, Arufu, Agasha, Kwande, Agatu, Naka, Otukpo, Makurdi, Apa and other vulnerable communities, had been mapped for intensive surveillance and security intervention.

According to him, the planned 14-day operation will involve stability and clearance patrols aimed at reclaiming forests, farmlands and other criminal enclaves.

Iduh said the operation would target criminals, including armed herders and bandits, without victimising innocent citizens.

“If communities partner with us and provide credible intelligence, we will deal with criminals without criminalising law-abiding citizens,” he maintained.

On his part, Benue State Governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia welcomed Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu and his delegation to Benue, describing the visit as timely and a demonstration of the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to tackling insecurity through community policing and collaboration with state governments.

Alia stated that Benue’s strategic role as Nigeria’s food basket made the prevailing insecurity unacceptable, noting that attacks on communities had resulted in loss of lives, disrupted farming activities and threatened national food security.

Alia highlighted his administration’s support for security agencies through the provision of operational vehicles, motorcycles, communication equipment and other logistics, while pledging full backing for the proposed 14-day security sweep across the state.

According to him, the government had strengthened inter-agency collaboration through regular Security Council meetings, intelligence sharing and coordinated operations, and would continue supporting security personnel and the families of fallen heroes.

He commended the IGP for engaging directly with stakeholders and accepting criticisms aimed at improving policing, lauded the new Commissioner of Police for prioritising community engagement.

Alia reiterated his support for the establishment of state police, arguing that officers who understand the local terrain, borders and communities would be better positioned to address insecurity. He said the debate should now focus on how state policing would operate rather than whether it was necessary.

He called on traditional rulers, community leaders and residents to support security agencies with timely intelligence and promote peaceful coexistence, stressing that security is a shared responsibility.

The governor assured the IGP of Benue State Government’s continued cooperation in all lawful efforts to restore lasting peace across the state.

Tor Tiv, Prof. James Ayatse identified four major security threats which are
Armed criminal herders allegedly attacking communities from neighbouring Nasarawa State, killing residents, destroying farms and occupying ancestral lands.

He stated that Indigenous armed gangs involved in kidnappings, robberies and violent crimes, many allegedly empowered during election periods.

According to him, Local communal and boundary disputes, which he said were comparatively minor and largely under control, pointing out that Cult groups operating in urban centres, are engaging in robbery, killings and other criminal activities.

He disclosed that many communities had been displaced, with numerous residents living outside formal IDP camps. Expressed concern that attacks continued despite intelligence reports warning of impending invasions.

He alleged that some politicians might be benefiting from the insecurity to undermine the state government, urging police to investigate possible sponsors, pledged the full support of Benue people for efforts to restore peace.

Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), Benue State
Chairman Garba Baba revealed that
Muslims in Benue had no conflict with any group. JNI fully supported Governor Hyacinth Alia’s administration and efforts to restore peace.

Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN)
Rev. Jonathan Terwase Ugbede:
Appreciated President Tinubu, the First Lady and the IGP for showing concern over Benue’s security challenges.

He commended the state government for its developmental efforts despite insecurity urged the police to respond swiftly to threats posted on social media before attacks occur.

He recommended regular dialogue between the police and traditional rulers, youths, religious leaders and community groups to improve intelligence gathering and crime prevention and
expressed confidence that stronger community engagement would help address insecurity.

Standard Times Nigeria reports that Key Outcomes were as follows;7
Stakeholders agreed that insecurity in Benue had become multifaceted, involving armed herders, kidnappers, cultists, criminal gangs and alleged political interests.

They stressed that security agencies alone could not solve the crisis without community cooperation.

The meeting ended with commitments from all parties to work together to restore lasting peace and security in Benue State.

IGP Disu addressing Journalists at Benue government House Makurdi.