During a visit to Benue State on April 22, National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu said that while President Bola Tinubu’s government inherited a serious security problem, it is making every effort to bring normalcy back to Nigeria.
After suspected herdsmen attacked Katsina-Ala, Ukum, and Logo local government areas, killing over 72 persons, Ribadu traveled to Makurdi to express his sympathies to the Benue government and people.
Condemning the killings as a tragic evil, Ribadu urged unity to combat the threat, saying, “We will defeat it. The entire country is with you. I commiserate with Benue people and assure you this is a trying period for all of us; we are 100 percent with you. We will confront it. Benue is an extremely important state to Nigeria. We must fight and maintain Benue as a peaceful state.”
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.”
“We inherited an extremely bad government, and things have improved, and we will address all these issues cropping up,” Ribadu said, claiming that there has been progress in lowering violence in comparison to the inherited condition. Time will tell; causing harm is simple, but finding a solution is challenging. The quantity of violent occurrences we encountered has significantly decreased. We will take on this one as well. He cautioned against politicizing the situation and urged patience.
Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State said the state has been under siege since 2011, with ongoing assaults destroying farmland and forcing families to relocate. “Instead of a Good Friday, we have a Black Friday with a venomous attack on Katsina-Ala, Ukum, and Logo,” he said, referring to the Easter “Black Friday” onslaught that targeted 17 internally displaced persons (IDP) camps. It’s very upsetting. It is revealing information about ourselves. 72 people died.
Alia emphasized the need for immediate federal assistance, saying, “We need help like yesterday,” while acknowledging state initiatives, such as the acquisition of 600 motorbikes and 100 Hilux cars for security. The president has shown a great deal of support, and we hope that this will continue.
“We are helpless,” Alia said, identifying the assailants as Fulani and Hausa and accusing them of having a planned plan to murder and take land. She requested President Tinubu to evict the “killer herdsmen.” We don’t own an AK-47. We have no defense. The assailants take advantage of the fact that we advise individuals to follow the law. A banana republic is not where we live.
On behalf of Tor Sankera Chief David Sevav, Chief Iyorkyaa Kaave reported 11 more fatalities in Afia, Ukum, and more bodies were found. He urged Tinubu to take those responsible for the continued crimes to account.
