By Peter Duru The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Disu, on Thursday declared the worsening insecurity in Benue State “unacceptable”, saying the violence had become a source of sleepless nights for residents and security agencies, as he announced a 14-day security operation to flush out criminals from identified flashpoints across the state. Speaking at a town hall meeting with stakeholders in Makurdi, the IGP said President Bola Tinubu had directed security agencies to ensure that the wave of killings and other violent crimes in the state was brought to an end. Describing Benue as a state once renowned for peace and hospitality, Disu lamented that it had been overtaken by violence fuelled by armed criminal herders, kidnappers, bandits, cultists and other criminal gangs, warning that the cycle of attacks and reprisals must stop.
“The insecurity in Benue is unacceptable. It has become a source of sleepless nights for the people and security agencies. President has made it clear that this situation will no longer be tolerated,” he said.
The police boss cautioned youths against allowing themselves to be recruited by politicians and other influential individuals to perpetrate violence, particularly during elections. “Young people often bear the greatest burden of these conflicts. Do not allow yourselves to be used as political thugs or agents of violence,” he warned.
Disu also warned that only authorised security personnel were permitted to bear arms, stressing that the police would clamp down on illegal firearms and armed criminals. He disclosed that officers had been directed to act decisively in line with Force Order 237 whenever confronted by armed criminals, while assuring residents that complaints against erring police officers would be thoroughly investigated. The IGP urged traditional rulers, elders, religious leaders and community members to support security agencies with credible intelligence, promising to make Benue a regular destination until peace was restored.
We are here to serve, not to dominate. I will continue to visit Benue until lasting peace returns,” he stated. Also speaking, the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Police Mobile Force, Mr.
Francis Iduh, announced that security agencies had identified 14 major flashpoints across the state for intensive operations.
Summary from source