President Bola Tinubu has directed security chiefs to implement his earlier directive to bring lasting peace and security to Benue State, his spokesman Bayo Onanuga has said.

In a statement, Onanuga said the President renewed his order in the wake of the latest round of reprisal attacks that led to the death of many people.

Governor Hyacinth Alia on Sunday confirmed the killing of 59 persons at Yelewata, where suspected herdsmen from Nasarawa State attacked the border town.

Addressing journalists at the Government House, Alia said the figures are based on physical headcounts by security agencies working with families of those killed.

In his reaction, Tinubu charged the governor with convening reconciliation meetings and dialogue among the warring parties to end the incessant bloodshed and bring lasting peace and harmonious coexistence between farmers, herders, and communities.

“On the president’s directive, intelligence chiefs, the police and the military have arrived in the state to direct security operations and restore sanity,” Onanuga said.

Describing the killings and bloodletting as inhuman and anti-progress, Tinubu called on political leaders and community leaders in conflict areas to stop fuelling the crisis through unguarded utterances and statements that could further inflame tensions.


“The latest news of wanton killings in Benue State is very depressing. We must not allow this bloodletting to continue unabated. Enough is now enough.

“I have directed the security agencies to act decisively and arrest perpetrators of these evil acts on all sides of the conflict and prosecute them.

“Political and community leaders in Benue State must act responsibly and avoid inflammatory utterances that could further increase tensions and killings.

“This is the time for Governor Alia to act as a statesman and immediately lead the process of dialogue and reconciliation that will bring peace to Benue. Our people must live in peace, and it is possible when leaders across the divides work together in harmony and differences are identified and addressed with fairness, openness and justice,” the President was quoted as saying.

Governor Hyacinth Alia on Sunday confirmed the killing of 59 persons at Yelewata, where suspected herdsmen from Nasarawa State attacked the border town.

Addressing journalists at the Government House, Alia said the figures are based on physical headcounts by security agencies working with families of those killed.

Among those killed were military and civil defence personnel who fought to defend Yelewata against the attacks.

Governor Alia also gave some credit to his Nasarawa State counterpart, Abdullahi Sule, who shared some intelligence on the killings which also left one woman dead on the Nasarawa axis.

The governor gave the details when he received a report from the panel of inquiry on the militia activities in the Sankera axis and pledged to commit to the appropriate authority and investigate the persons indicated in the report to ensure peace returned to Sankera.

Pope Leo XIV has since condemned the recent killings in Benue, describing the incident as a “terrible massacre” in which mostly displaced civilians were murdered with “extreme cruelty”.

Delivering his remarks before the Sunday Angelus prayer at the Vatican, the pontiff expressed deep concern over the ongoing violence in Nigeria and the suffering of affected communities.

The Pope prayed for “security, justice, and peace” to prevail in the country and offered special intercession for the rural Christian communities in Benue, whom he described as “relentless victims of violence.”

The attack occurred in Yelwata, a border town between Benue and Nasarawa states, where suspected herdsmen reportedly stormed the community late Friday night.

Angry youths on Sunday stormed the Wurukum food basket roundabout to protest the killing. The protesters converged on the Wurukum food basket roundabout in Makurdi as early as 8 am to demand action over the alleged killing on Saturday in Yelwata.

They were later joined by a social media influencer, Martin Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan.


In a statement, presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga said President Bola Tinubu has directed security chiefs to implement his earlier directive to bring lasting peace and security to Benue State.

He said on the president’s directive, intelligence chiefs, the police and the military have arrived in the state to direct security operations and restore sanity.

The Managing Director, UBA Foundation, Mrs. Bola Atta, is mourning the loss of her beloved sister, Lola Adefope née Ayantuga, who passed away recently.

Lola, born on 14 September 1962 in London, England, was the daughter of Senator Obafemi Ayantuga and his wife, Ajoke Ayantuga, an accountant.

With a career spanning over three decades in public service, Lola served as Secretary to the Local Government in Lagos State and later as Senior Special Assistant in Ogun State.

Known for her warmth, infectious laughter, and vibrant personality, she was described as the “life and soul of any gathering.”

In a heartfelt tribute, former Ogun State Governor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, who expressed deep sorrow over her passing, recalled her dedication during his administration (2003–2011).

“I received the news of the passing of Lola Adefope with great sadness and pain.” Daniel said

“As Governor, she served as my Special Assistant on Governmental Affairs (Lagos Office), where she proved herself efficient and diligent”

“Her death is a stark reminder of life’s fleeting nature and a great personal loss to me and the nation she served passionately.”

Daniel further prayed for her soul to find eternal rest and for her grieving family to find strength.

A devoted wife and mother, Lola married architect Adebola Adefope in 1992, and their union was blessed with children.

Interment will hold on the 23rd of June, 2025, at Michael and all Angels Flower lane Mill Hill, London. It commences at 1pm. Celebration of life also follows immediately after at the Hendon Golf club, London.