By Anwar Usman
The Federal Government has deployed additional troops to Benue State in response to the latest deadly attack in Yelewata, Guma Local Government Area, which claimed the lives of many of residents.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, stated this on Monday in a statement.
Akume condemned the deadly attack and reiterated the federal government’s commitment to end the violence.
He said President Bola Tinubu swiftly ordered a full-scale military operation to flush out the perpetrators and restore peace in the area, following the “mindless and disheartening” killings in the state.
He said, “I express profound appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for his swift directive for a full security operation to rid Benue of these killers and bring the perpetrators to justice. It is to be noted also, that the federal government has rendered assistance through NEMA, while more troops have been deployed to Benue state to handle the explosive situation.
“Expressing grief over the merciless killing of many of innocent men, women, and children in the state, Akume described the incident as a wound to the country.
He said, “The continued bloodletting and mindless killings across Benue State are both disheartening and utterly condemnable.
“This latest reprehensible act, one among too many, is not merely a tragedy for Benue; it is a deep wound to the soul of our nation.
“These dastardly acts are not restricted to Benue State alone. Plateau and Zamfara states also suffer the same fate. These killings are economically deterministic, not religiously driven.”
Akume called on leaders and stakeholders in Benue to set aside all differences and urgently unite to chart a sustainable path to peace.
He further stated that “We must rise above division and act decisively to protect our people and preserve our future”.
The SGF urged all Nigerians, regardless of faith or belief, to uphold peace and brotherhood.