Benue Killings: Will the IGP Catch the Killers?

In October 1986, following a meeting of the Armed Forces Ruling Council (AFRC), then-military President Ibrahim Babangida turned to the Inspector General of Police, Etim Inyang, and famously asked, “My friend, where is Anini?”

The question, unexpected and direct, reportedly left the IGP speechless, drawing laughter from others at the meeting. At the time, Lawrence Anini was a feared armed robber terrorizing the old Bendel State (now Edo and Delta), eluding security operatives for months while earning a Robin Hood-like reputation for sharing his loot with locals.

The episode exposed law enforcement’s struggle and embarrassment in the face of rising criminality—much like what Nigeria is experiencing today.

Three months later, under a new IGP, Muhammad Gambo Jimeta, Anini was finally captured during a covert police operation in Benin.

Now, decades later, history seems to be repeating itself.

During his recent visit to Benue State, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu posed a similarly sharp question to Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun and Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa.

“How come no one has been arrested for the heinous crime in Yelwata? Inspector General of Police, where are the arrests? The criminals must be apprehended immediately,” President Tinubu demanded.

Benue State has seen a troubling surge in attacks in recent months, with perpetrators often striking at night and disappearing without a trace. The most recent and horrifying case occurred in Yelwata, Guma Local Government Area, where over 100 people, including women and children, were slaughtered and many more displaced.

Tinubu’s public reprimand echoed Babangida’s infamous question—igniting hope that, like in 1986, the security agencies will act swiftly to bring the killers to justice.

Troops Receive Reinforcements to Tackle Insecurity

Just two days after Tinubu’s visit, the Joint Task Force (JTF) Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) in Makurdi confirmed the arrival of additional land assets to boost the fight against insecurity in Nigeria’s North Central zone.

Major General Moses Gara, Commander of OPWS, said on Friday that the reinforcements demonstrated the Defence Headquarters’ commitment to enhancing inter-agency coordination.

In a statement by OPWS Acting Media Information Officer, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubair, it was revealed that the newly received equipment would be deployed to flashpoints across affected states.

“In a renewed effort to enhance troop mobility and operational effectiveness, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, and the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede, have delivered a substantial consignment of combat and mobility equipment to the OPWS headquarters in Makurdi,” the statement said.

The assets include troop-carrying vehicles (TCVs), gun trucks, personal protective gear, and over 100 motorcycles, all aimed at improving tactical efficiency and overall troop readiness in the fight against asymmetric threats.

Mixed Reactions Trail President’s Visit

Despite the symbolic weight of the President’s visit, some Nigerians criticized the tone and delivery of his orders, saying they lacked urgency.

“This is a life-and-death situation, and the president’s instructions should have been more forceful,” one anonymous commentator remarked.

Others said parts of the President’s remarks felt repetitive—such as his suggestion for Governor Hyacinth Alia to set up a peace committee including former governors, traditional rulers, federal officials, and non-indigenes.

Skeptics pointed out that previous administrations, including those of the ex-governors proposed for the committee, had failed to resolve the security crisis.

While the idea of allocating land for ranching and tasking the Agriculture Minister to follow up is a long-term strategy, it may not address the immediate danger faced by rural communities.

Some political observers, however, praised President Tinubu for displaying diplomatic tact, especially in encouraging Benue’s governor to collaborate with his Nasarawa counterpart to restore peace.

“We want to build families, not bury them. We must turn this tragedy into prosperity,” the President declared.

Human rights lawyer Dele Farotimi disagreed, saying the visit lacked sincerity. “It would have been better if he hadn’t visited at all,” he stated during a television appearance, adding that the only truly meaningful moment came from the Tor Tiv V, His Royal Majesty James Ayatse.

Critics also questioned the president’s failure to visit the massacre site in Yelwata. Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi condemned this, stating that true leadership requires sacrifice and presence during times of crisis.

“Leadership is about presence. It’s about sacrifice and taking risks,” Obi wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

Fulani Youth Speaks Out, Cries for Justice

In the midst of the crisis, Fulani youth leader Yusuf Adamu released a viral video calling for justice, alleging that Fulani pastoralists are being Here is a polished and more engaging version of the article, with improved grammar, structure, and flow while preserving the original meaning and details:

Daily Trust

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