More than 24 hours after the attack that led to killing of over 100 people in Benue State, President Bola Tinubu has finally broken his silence on the tragedy.
Tinubu directed security chiefs to implement his earlier directive to bring lasting peace and security to Benue, a statement by his media aide, Bayo Onanuga stated on Sunday.
Youths and residents of Benue have criticized the deafening silence of the President following the deadly attack on the community in the State.
The youths staged a protest on Sunday, blocking the Abuja-Makurdi highway, while calling for immediate end to the crisis.
The statement by Onanuga, “President Tinubu has equally charged the governor of Benue State with convening reconciliation meetings and dialogue among the warring parties to end the incessant bloodshed and bring lasting peace and harmonious coexistence between farmers, herders, and communities.
“Describing the killings and bloodletting as inhuman and anti-progress, President Tinubu called on political leaders and community leaders in conflict areas to stop fuelling the crisis through unguarded utterances and statements that could further inflame tensions.
They should also rein in those who go out to cause provocations and ignite reprisal attacks.
“The latest news of wanton killings in Benue State is very depressing. We must not allow this bloodletting to continue unabated. Enough is now enough.
“I have directed the security agencies to act decisively and arrest perpetrators of these evil acts on all sides of the conflict and prosecute them.
“Political and community leaders in Benue State must act responsibly and avoid inflammatory utterances that could further increase tensions and killings.
“This is the time for Governor Alia to act as a statesman and immediately lead the process of dialogue and reconciliation that will bring peace to Benue. Our people must live in peace, and it is possible when leaders across the divides work together in harmony and differences are identified and addressed with fairness, openness and justice.”
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