National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, has strongly condemned the killings in Benue State, describing the current security crisis as a tragic reminder of Nigeria’s growing need for decisive leadership.
During a condolence visit to the state on Tuesday, Ribadu admitted that President Bola Tinubu’s administration inherited a broken system, especially in the security sector.
His comments come after suspected terrorists posing as herdsmen killed over 72 people in several communities across the state.
“We inherited an extremely bad government, and things have improved. We will address all these issues cropping up,” Ribadu stated, assuring the people that the situation, though difficult, is being handled with urgency.
The Benue security crisis has once again stirred national outrage, as citizens continue to demand protection and quick intervention.
Ribadu emphasized that although the Armed Forces are doing their best, it is not realistic to deploy soldiers to every village.
“Our Armed Forces are doing well. It is impossible to post soldiers or police to every hamlet,” he explained. “Give us a chance and stop politicizing the killings. This will help us to restore peace. Issue of security is relative.”
Moreover, Ribadu urged residents to avoid making the tragedy a political tool, stating that such an approach could hinder efforts to restore order in the affected regions.
Meanwhile, the latest wave of violence has brought fresh mourning to the state.
Eleven people were killed in the Afia community in Ukum Local Government Area, just days after 50 farmers were attacked and murdered.
Governor Hyacinth Alia expressed deep sorrow, calling the current period a painful one for the people of Benue.
He noted that the state has been under constant attacks since 2011, with many lives lost over the years.
In his words, “This is a sobering period for our people.”
The governor, a former Catholic priest, also called on the federal government to act faster, saying that the killings are far from being over and that more direct action must be taken.
Furthermore, Ribadu acknowledged that healing will take time, but affirmed that the administration is committed to making things better.
“To do the harm is easy but to solve it is difficult. We have reduced considerably the number of violence we met. This one too, we will confront it,” he added.
However, hope remains that government efforts will bring lasting peace to Benue and other affected states.
