Benue Killings: IGP Backtracks On ‘Communal Clash’ Statement

L-R: President Muhammadu Buhari and IGP Ibrahim Idris

The Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, has apologized to the people of Benue state over the comment he made, shortly after briefing President Muhammadu Buhari on the Benue killings, in which he described the killings in Benue state as a fallout of communal crisis.

The IGP tendered his apology while addressing stakeholders of the state in Makurdi, the Benue state capital.

The IGP said, “honestly as a person I want to apologize for the misconception of the statement I made at a press briefing I made in Abuja.

“What I tried to convey in that statement is that we should live together and regard each other as our brothers’ keepers and also ensure peaceful coexistence.

“Irrespective of where you come from, we should be seen as one people who should live in peace and love for one another.

“So in essence, my statement should not be seen or regarded as my support for anyone but must be seen to be an advice for the greater unity of our country.

Earlier, the Benue state Governor, Samuel Ortom expressed concerns that perpetrators of the killings were yet to be brought to book.

“If a policeman can be killed just like that and his weapons taken away by these people in Logo, where then are we going to in this country. IGP this is a major challenge for you, I know that your weapons cannot be taken away just like that we expect that the you must go after this people.”

“Even in my council ward, Nzorov in Guma they attacked again, but the soldiers repelled them.

“I must state that Nigeria is passing through serious security challenges, I pray we don’t get to the level that our people resort to self defense. Because when people are not sanctioned for their lawlessness, anarchy confusion would set in and nobody will be safe.

“The grazing law we made in Benue state is for the collective interest of all, irrespective of where you come from and it has come to stay.”

Also at the event, the Governor announced the donation of five pick up vans to the Police which he expressed believe will facilitate their efforts at restoring peace and order in the state.