The presidency has accused Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia of ignoring a critical security report that could have prevented last week’s deadly herdsmen attack on Yelewata community, which left about 200 people dead.
In the brutal overnight raid between Friday and early Saturday, armed attackers believed to be herdsmen stormed the agrarian settlement, setting homes ablaze and killing scores of villagers, including women and children.
The aftermath of the carnage has left behind burnt bodies and widespread destruction.
According to the presidency, the tragedy might have been averted if Governor Alia had acted on a security brief presented to him nearly two years ago.
The document, reportedly prepared by a group of retired military generals from Benue, outlined proactive measures for curbing herder-farmer violence.
“League of Retired Generals from Benue State 18 months ago handed a security brief to Governor Hycent (sic) Alia,” presidential spokesman Sunday Dare said in a statement on Tuesday.
“This is the time to dust up that document as President Tinubu charges all Stakeholders in Benue to find a lasting solution to the incessant farmers-herders clash,” he added.
Dare stressed that now was the moment for action, as President Tinubu prepares to visit the state in the aftermath of the massacre.
The presidency believes renewed efforts may finally yield a long-term solution to the bloodshed.
“This time, a renewed commitment to stopping the bloodletting and finding a lasting solution seems on hand. They have come around because they also believe that President Tinubu will engage and ensure that peace returns,” Dare said.
When contacted for comment, Governor Alia’s spokesperson, Tersoo Kula, said he would need time to verify the allegation and “respond accordingly.”
Both President Tinubu and Governor Alia have faced fierce criticism over their handling of the massacre.
Tinubu, who took more than 24 hours to publicly react to the killings, is scheduled to visit Benue on Wednesday.
His delayed response has drawn anger from many Nigerians, especially within the grieving communities.
Meanwhile, Governor Alia, who has recently spoken against self-defence by locals, has urged residents to turn out in large numbers to welcome the president, even as the state continues to reel from the devastating attack.
