President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has extended heartfelt condolences to the people of Benue State following the recent deadly attacks in Logo and Ukum Local Government Areas, which claimed over 72 lives.
Delivering the president’s message in Makurdi on Tuesday, the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, said Tinubu stands firmly with the state during this difficult time.
“Mr. President is with you, the country is with you, and we are all 100 percent with you. Together, we shall defeat this evil,” Ribadu assured.
The NSA, who was accompanied by Senator Uba Umar, chairman of the Senate Committee on Intelligence and Security, conveyed the message during a meeting with Governor Hyacinth Alia at the old Banquet Hall of the Government House.
Ribadu emphasised the federal government’s commitment to restoring peace and security in Benue.
“When evil comes, good people must come together to defeat it. We will work together to address this problem so that the state can enjoy lasting peace,” he said.
Describing Benue as a vital part of Nigeria’s development, Ribadu noted, “Benue is the Food Basket of the Nation, and many people want to come here. Don’t feel alone—we will do more to ensure the state is peaceful. Just give us a chance.”
He cautioned against politicising the tragedy, urging stakeholders to unite against violence. “Don’t take advantage of the situation and play politics,” he warned.
The NSA also praised President Tinubu’s administration for prioritising national security, stating that substantial resources have been invested in the sector within his two years in office.
“Things were extremely bad when we took over two years ago, we had a lot of security problems but with the effort of Mr.President we are now getting it right “.
“You know to cause harm is easy but to address the same harm is most difficult,but gradually we are getting there and the problem will be solve.
Three traditional rulers representing Benue zone A, B and C, Chief Daniel Abomtse, Chief Iorkyaa Kaave and Chief Godwin Onah respectively all appealed to the Federal Government to help clear killer herdsmen from their communities to allow farmers return their to farmland.
Governor Hyacinth Iormen Alia said in his speech expressed the determination of the Benue state government to give total support to the federal government and security agencies to solve the problem of insecurity in the state.
Governor Alia stated: “The attacks against farmers has led to internally Displaced Persons ,IDPs, who are spread across 20 Local Government areas.
populations are all now in the camps waiting for hand out as food ,if necessary actions are not taken Benue will no longer be known as the food basket of the nation.
He said out of 23 local government area in Benue state, the herdsmen attacked and killed people in 18 Local Government areas .
“They have taken over communities and settlements ,grazing on the farmlands why their victims are in internally Displaced Persons, IDPs camps.”
He appealed to the federal government to hasten on the plan return of the IDPs to their ancestry home and continue their farm work.