By Divine Sam
In response to the horrific massacre in Yelewata community, Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, where nearly 250 citizens were reportedly burned alive by suspected Fulani herdsmen, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has arrived in the state to assess the situation and coordinate security efforts.
The Nigeria Police Force made this known through a brief statement on its official Facebook page on Monday, confirming the IGP’s presence in Benue and announcing that additional tactical units have been deployed to contain the security breakdown and prevent further violence.
The deadly attack occurred near Makurdi, the Benue State capital, where residents of the Yelewata community were ambushed and set ablaze in what is being described as one of the most devastating assaults in the region’s recent history.
In the aftermath of the attack, outraged youths took to the streets of Makurdi on Sunday in a massive protest, blocking major roads to call global attention to the ongoing wave of deadly assaults plaguing the state. The protesters demanded swift justice and greater federal intervention to halt what they termed a genocide against the people of Benue.
As investigations commence, tension remains high across the state, with calls growing louder for decisive government action to end the recurring bloodshed.