The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has arrived in Benue State and ordered the immediate deployment of additional tactical teams to the region following a wave of deadly attacks that have left scores dead.
A brief statement posted by the Nigeria Police Force on Monday via X confirmed the development.
“IGP arrives Benue, orders for additional deployment of tactical teams,” the statement said.
The deployment comes amid mounting public outrage and calls on social media for the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency in Benue, following a two-day killing spree by suspected herders.
Recall that at least 45 people were confirmed dead in Guma Local Government Area, though local leaders estimate the toll could exceed 200, with reports of entire families burned alive and security officers among the victims.
Nigerians have widely criticised the federal silence over the Benue killings, contrasting it with the government’s swift response to the political unrest in Rivers State in March, which saw the declaration of a state of emergency without any reported deaths.
