IGP declares war on Benue killers, launches 14-day security operation

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Disu, has declared an all-out war against armed criminals terrorising Benue State, announcing a 14-day special security operation to flush out killers, kidnappers, bandits and other violent gangs from identified flashpoints across the state.

Speaking during a town hall meeting with stakeholders in Makurdi on Thursday, the IGP described the worsening insecurity in Benue as “unacceptable,” saying the violence had become a source of sleepless nights for both residents and security agencies.

Disu disclosed that President Bola Tinubu had directed security agencies to end the persistent killings and restore peace to the state.

“The insecurity in Benue is unacceptable. It has become a source of sleepless nights for the people and security agencies. Mr. President has made it clear that this situation will no longer be tolerated,” he said.

The police chief said the operation would target armed criminal herders, kidnappers, bandits, cultists and other criminal elements responsible for attacks across the state.

He also warned youths against allowing themselves to be recruited by politicians and other influential individuals to perpetrate violence, especially during elections, stressing that the police would clamp down on illegal possession of firearms.

Disu directed police officers to act decisively against armed criminals in line with Force Order 237, while assuring residents that complaints against erring officers would be investigated.

He called on traditional rulers, religious leaders and community members to support security agencies with credible intelligence, pledging to continue visiting Benue until lasting peace is restored.

Also speaking, the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Police Mobile Force, Francis Iduh, said security agencies had identified 14 major flashpoints for intensive operations.

According to him, the affected communities include Bajimba, Arufu, Agasha, Kwande, Agatu, Naka, Otukpo, Makurdi, Apa and other vulnerable areas, where security forces will carry out stability and clearance operations to reclaim forests, farmlands and criminal hideouts.

Governor Hyacinth Alia welcomed the security initiative, describing it as timely. He reiterated his support for the establishment of state police, arguing that officers familiar with local communities would be better positioned to tackle insecurity.

The Tor Tiv, Prof. James Ayatse, identified armed criminal herders, indigenous armed gangs, communal conflicts and cult groups as the major security threats facing the state, while urging security agencies to investigate those allegedly sponsoring the violence.

Stakeholders at the meeting agreed that tackling insecurity in Benue would require stronger collaboration between security agencies and local communities through timely intelligence sharing and sustained security operations.