President Bola Tinubu has directed Nigeria’s service chiefs and the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to urgently track down and apprehend those responsible for the recent wave of deadly attacks in Benue State. The assaults, which occurred in Yelwata community, left scores dead and displaced thousands, sparking nationwide outrage and protests across parts of the state.

Tinubu issued the order during a visit to Benue on Wednesday, where he met with state officials and security stakeholders at the Government House in Makurdi.

“Police, I hope your men are on alert to listen to information. How come no arrest has been made? I expect there should be an arrest of those criminals,” he said, addressing the Inspector General directly.

The president also tasked top security commanders present at the meeting, including Chief of Defence Staff Christopher Musa, and other heads of intelligence and military operations, to intensify efforts in tracking down the perpetrators.

“Christopher, you have given much. I watch your comments—you can’t be tired of staying in the bush. Oloyede and the Air Marshal, we thank all of you, but we need to keep our ears to the ground. Let’s get those criminals, let’s get them out,” Tinubu said.

He further urged the Director Generals of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) and the Department of State Services (DSS) to strengthen intelligence gathering.

“Retool your information channels and let’s have tangible intelligence so that this will not occur again,” the president added.

The attack, believed to have been carried out by suspected herders, is one in a series of violent incidents that have plagued the North-Central state.