IGP Orders Tactical Reinforcement in Benue as Death Toll Rises in Guma Massacre
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, on Monday, arrived in Benue State and ordered the immediate deployment of additional tactical teams to the state, following a wave of deadly attacks in the Guma Local Government Area that have left dozens dead and several communities in mourning.
Egbetokun visited the devastated Yelwata community in Guma, where he met with local leaders to assess the extent of the destruction and discuss urgent security measures. He was accompanied by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, as part of a high-powered delegation to the troubled region.
In a post shared on the official X (formerly Twitter) handle of the Nigeria Police Force, the IGP was shown engaging with residents and local stakeholders, with a caption that read, “IGP live at Yelwata community, Guma LGA, Benue State, alongside the CDS, General Christopher Musa, where he assessed the damage and engaged community leaders.”
Security sources told PRNigeria that the IGP’s visit prompted an immediate directive for the deployment of specialized tactical units to strengthen the security presence and forestall further attacks.
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The deployment comes in response to growing national outrage over what many describe as one of the bloodiest attacks in Benue this year. Over the weekend, suspected armed herders reportedly unleashed coordinated assaults on several villages in Guma, killing at least 45 people, though local leaders claim the real death toll may exceed 200.
Eyewitness accounts and local reports detail gruesome scenes, with entire families allegedly burnt alive, and some security personnel feared among the casualties. The widespread carnage has triggered renewed calls on social media and among civil society groups for the federal government to declare a state of emergency in Benue State.
Speaking during his visit, IGP Egbetokun assured residents of the police’s commitment to restoring peace and bringing the perpetrators to justice. “We understand the pain and fear this community is going through. We are here to act, not just to talk,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Benue State Government has yet to release an official figure, but humanitarian agencies warn of a rising number of displaced persons as survivors flee the affected areas in search of safety.
The latest attack adds to the long list of violent incidents that have plagued Benue in recent years, as communities continue to suffer the brunt of escalating farmer-herder conflicts and unchecked criminal violence.
By PRNigeria
