Tinubu meets Ribadu, Defence Chief over insecurity
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is currently holding a crucial security meeting with the National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu, and the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, at his official residence within the State House, Abuja.
The high-level engagement comes on the heels of the President’s return from a 19-day working trip to Europe and is taking place against a backdrop of mounting insecurity across parts of Nigeria, particularly in the North-Central region.
Reliable sources indicate that President Tinubu is receiving direct briefings from his top security chiefs regarding the deteriorating situation in states like Plateau and Benue, where relentless waves of attacks by suspected foreign militias have resulted in mass casualties and widespread displacement.
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Over the last two weeks alone, more than 200 lives have reportedly been lost to violent attacks, with entire communities overrun and survivors forced to flee. In Plateau State, between March 28 and April 14, no fewer than 106 people were killed in Bokkos and Bassa local government areas. Specific incidents include the killing of 52 residents in Zike and Kimakpa, and 54 in Zikke Kimakpa.
Benue State has also suffered similar tragedies. At least 44 deaths were reported within the same period in areas such as Otobi Akpa (13 deaths), Ikobi (3), Gwer West (2), and Mbasombo (3). On April 19, Governor Hyacinth Alia confirmed 20 additional deaths following coordinated attacks in Logo and Ukum local government areas.
Governor Alia further raised alarm over the identity of the assailants, stating that many of them do not speak any known Nigerian language, suggesting that they may be foreign mercenaries or infiltrators.
Although it remains unclear whether other heads of security and intelligence agencies have joined the meeting, expectations are high that the closed-door session will yield critical decisions to stem the tide of violence and restore a sense of safety to the affected communities.
The presidency has yet to issue an official statement as of the time of filing this report.
By PRNigeria
