The Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun has condemned the attack on Yelwata community of Benue State where over 200 people were killed as mindless, describing the act as terror not just on Benue, but a threat to tbe sovereignty and integrity of the entire nation.
IGP Egbetokun who made this known during his visit to the state and to the affected community for on-the-spot assessment pledged improve synergy with other security agencies to ensure that lasting peace returned to Benue State.
According to Egbetokun, the bandits operating with impunity “will soon be a thing of the past because the day will surely come where they will come and never return again, and that day is fast approaching”
“I am here in Benue State to commiserate with you, the government, the people of the State and the bereaved families and citizens of the State who are affected by the tragedy.
“On behalf of the Nigerian Police Force, I extend our deepest condolences the Benue people.”
He added that President Bola Tinubu is deeply saddened on hearing the news of fresh attack on another vulnerable communities in Benue and he is committed to ensuring that the reign of impunity and criminal gang and terror against the people of the State and the entire country is put to an end.”
The IGP assured the affected communities and entire people of the State of Police support, noting “we are aware of the security challenges facing the State especially at the border Communities.”
He added, “we may not be at every inch of the State, but we are going to deploy adequate personnel, we will deploy our resources in synergy with sister security agencies to ensure the protection of lives and properties.”
Benue State Governor, Fr. Hyacinth Alia commended President Tinubu, Egbetokun and his team for his prompt response.
Alia however, lamented, “We are bleeding, we are in sorrow, we are not sleeping again, but seen you, I believe your visit will uplift our spirit and build within us a formidable assurance of peace in our communities.”
He added that the visit and assurance of the IGP will help in re-enkindling the hope of the people in the affected communities that they were not alone “and that you will continue to be there for us to support us in this journey of the fight against this terrorists.”
Alia recalled that the attacks were agelong 17 local government areas, “but when we came in through our efforts, we reduced it to 9 LG to six. However we experience the surge in the last two months.”
He said with the directives by the president, the people are confident to be victorious “and the sorrowful narratives will become something of the past.”
