President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed deep frustration and disappointment over the failure of security agencies to prevent the recent massacre in Yelewata, Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, which claimed over 100 lives. The president made the remarks during a visit to the state on Tuesday, June 18, where he met with victims, stakeholders, and security operatives.

The President described the killings as “senseless bloodletting” and declared, “Enough is enough.” He strongly condemned the attacks and challenged the police and other security agencies to account for their failures in intelligence and operational response.

“I am here because this should never have happened. This level of bloodshed, this failure to act on intelligence, is unacceptable,” Tinubu said in an emotionally charged address during a stakeholders’ meeting at the Benue State Government House in Makurdi.

The president questioned the police hierarchy, particularly the Inspector-General of Police and tactical unit commanders, over what he called “glaring intelligence lapses” and the lack of prompt action despite prior warnings about looming attacks in the region.

He further ordered the immediate deployment of additional intelligence-based tactical teams to Benue, stressing that the era of delayed responses and administrative excuses was over. “Security must be proactive, not reactive. We must stop these killings before they happen,” he said.

During his visit, President Tinubu also met with traditional rulers, community leaders, youth groups, and religious leaders, urging them to support ongoing efforts to restore peace. He emphasized the importance of grassroots collaboration and intelligence gathering in combating criminal elements operating in the region.

Tinubu reiterated the need to enforce the anti-open grazing law already in place in the state, which he said remains a critical tool in curbing violent clashes between farmers and herders. He also promised to work closely with the Benue State Government to strengthen border security and provide additional resources to affected communities.

The president’s visit came amid mounting public outrage and calls for a state of emergency in Benue. Civil society groups and lawmakers had earlier criticized the federal government for what they described as a slow and inadequate response to the killings.

Some community leaders at the meeting likened the ongoing violence to genocide, demanding accountability and justice. In response, Tinubu assured them that “no one involved in these acts of terror will go unpunished.”

He concluded his address by pledging systemic reforms in the country’s security architecture and vowed that the victims of the Benue massacre would not be forgotten.

“This tragedy must be a turning point. Benue must not mourn alone. The nation mourns with you — and we must act swiftly to ensure this never happens again,” Tinubu said.