The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has ordered the deployment of additional tactical teams and assets to Benue following the recent killings of more than 200 people in the state.
IGP Egbetokun visited Benue on Monday to commiserate with Governor Hyacinth Alia and residents of the state.
According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the IGP was accompanied by senior officers, including the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Department of Operations, DIG Yakubu Kwazhi; the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Department of Logistics & Supply, DIG Adebola Ayinde Hamzat; the AIG Zone 4, AIG Zachariah Fera; and the CP SIS, CP Abayomi Shogunle.
“Upon his arrival in Benue State, the IGP visited the State Government House, where he commiserated with the State Governor, His Excellency Hyacinth Iormem Alia, who expressed his ease and delight for the IGP’s visit and the deployment of personnel and tactical assets over time, and even at the moment,” the statement noted.
During their engagement, the police chief condemned the attacks, describing the killings as “senseless and an act of terrorism”.
He reassured Governor Alia that the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) would make every effort to address the situation and bring the perpetrators of the heinous and barbaric acts to justice.
Egbetokun also visited the Yelwata Community in Guma Local Government Area, where he inspected the damage and met with community leaders, accompanied by the Chief of Defense Staff, General Christopher Musa.
The IGP commiserated with community members and reassured them of the NPF’s commitment to strengthening the existing security infrastructure in the state.
“To this end, the Inspector-General of Police has directed the immediate deployment of additional tactical teams and assets, assigning the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Department of Operations, DIG Kwazhi Dali Yakubu, mni, to take charge and oversee the operations aimed at restoring peace and serenity to Benue State.”
He addressed the officers and men of the Benue State Command at the Officers’ Mess, located at the State Headquarters in Makurdi, assuring them of adequate welfare and logistics support to challenge the ongoing hazards in the state.
The Force reaffirmed its commitment, aligned with the agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to the people of Benue State and the entire country.
It reiterated its resolve to bring the perpetrators of the attacks to justice and to restore peace to all affected communities.
