ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- In the wake of the devastating attacks that claimed numerous lives in Benue State, Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun and Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, have visited the affected communities to assess the situation and reassure residents of the government’s commitment to restoring peace.
Vanguard reports that over the weekend, suspected armed herdsmen launched deadly attacks on Yelewata and Daudu communities in Guma Local Government Area. Reports indicate that the death toll has climbed to around 200.
To address the aftermath, the IGP and CDS, accompanied by senior security officials, arrived in Benue State on Monday, June 16, 2025.
In a statement issued by Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, the IGP expressed deep sympathy to the government and people of Benue, describing the attacks as senseless and acts of terrorism.
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“The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD., NPM., accompanied by senior officers including the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Department of Operations, DIG Yakubu Kwazhi, mni; the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Department of Logistics & Supply, DIG Adebola Ayinde Hamzat, fdc; the AIG Zone 4, AIG Zachariah Fera; and the CP SIS, CP Abayomi Shogunle, today June 16, 2025, arrived Benue State, following the tragic incidents that had occurred in the state, resulting in the death of scores of residents,” the statement read.
Upon arrival, IGP Egbetokun visited the Benue State Government House to formally commiserate with Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia.
According to the police spokesperson, the governor appreciated the IGP’s visit and acknowledged the deployment of personnel and tactical assets both in the past and presently.
“In his discussion with the Governor, the IGP condemned the attacks, describing the killings as senseless and an act of terrorism, further reassuring His Excellency that the Nigeria Police Force would carry out its best efforts to rein in the situation and bring the perpetrators of these heinous and barbaric acts to justice,” the statement added.
Meanwhile, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, also visited Yelwata town in Guma LGA, one of the communities hardest hit by the Friday night assault, which resulted in the deaths of dozens of residents in a coordinated attack.
General Musa’s visit underscores the seriousness with which the Defence Headquarters views the security breaches and growing concerns over the frequency and scale of violence in Benue State.