Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has arrived in Benue State and ordered the immediate deployment of more tactical units in response to recent violent attacks that have claimed numerous lives.
The Nigeria Police Force confirmed the development in a statement posted on Monday via its official X account, stating: “IGP arrives Benue, orders for additional deployment of tactical teams.”
The reinforcement comes amid growing public anger and increasing calls on social media for the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency in the state.
The outrage follows a two-day killing spree, reportedly carried out by suspected herders.
Earlier reports from The PUNCH revealed that at least 45 people were killed in Guma Local Government Area. However, local officials fear the death toll could be much higher, with some reports alleging that entire families were burned alive and some security personnel also among the casualties.
The federal government’s silence on the killings has sparked criticism, especially when compared to its swift intervention in Rivers State earlier this year. In that case, a state of emergency was declared during a political crisis—despite no recorded deaths.