From John Bassey, Gusau
President Bola Tinubu and the Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Mohammed Matawalle, visited Yelewata community in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State on Wednesday, June 18, to assess security following a deadly attack that claimed over 150 lives.
The visit, prompted by a brutal assault on civilians by suspected armed groups, underscored the Federal Government’s resolve to restore peace in the North Central region.
In a press release issued by Ahmad Dan-Wudil, Personal Assistant on Media to the Minister of State for Defence, the officials condemned the attack and outlined immediate actions. “The Commander-in-Chief, alongside service chiefs, intelligence officers, and other federal officials, undertook the visit to commiserate with bereaved families, conduct an on-ground security appraisal of the affected area, and reaffirm the Federal Government’s commitment to restoring peace, law, and order,” the statement read.
President Tinubu directed security agencies to launch coordinated operations to apprehend the perpetrators, stating, “Such acts of terror will not go unpunished under my watch.” Dr Matawalle added, “The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) remain fully committed to defending the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Operations will continue until total normalcy is restored in the region.”
The release further noted that the Ministry of Defence is deploying strategic assets to bolster security in Benue and nationwide. “The reign of terror is over for the enemies of the Nigerian nation,” it declared, assuring residents of escalated kinetic and non-kinetic measures. The government expressed solidarity, stating, “Our thoughts and prayers remain with the affected families. The Federal Government stands shoulder to shoulder with the people of Benue State in this moment of grief.”
The Yelewata attack, occurring on June 13 and 14, has heightened concerns over escalating violence in Benue, a region plagued by herder-farmer clashes and banditry. Local sources report the death toll may range between 100 and 200, with several villages devastated. The visit marks a high-profile response to growing public outcry over insecurity in the state.
