Tinubu queries IGP over lack of arrests in Benue killings

President Bola Tinubu has expressed frustration with Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun over the absence of arrests following a series of deadly attacks in Benue State, according to a report by Vanguard Newspapers on Wednesday. The query comes amid escalating violence in the region, with local sources reporting over 50 deaths in the past week due to militia attacks, as noted by former Senate President Senator David Mark on June 16, 2025.

The unrest, linked to the ongoing herder-farmer conflict, has forced thousands to flee their homes, with the BBC citing data from Beacon Security and Intelligence Limited indicating 1,043 deaths in Benue between May 2023 and May 2025. Tinubu, who previously described the killings as “inhuman and anti-progress” following protests in Makurdi, has ordered security agencies to end the violence, but no significant progress has been reported.

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The lack of arrests has sparked criticism, with some attributing it to systemic issues within the Nigeria Police Force (NPF). A 2023 study from the Journal of African Security highlighted a 30% decline in arrest rates in conflict zones under prolonged IGP tenures, a concern amplified by reports of Egbetokun’s tenure being extended by Tinubu until 2027. Meanwhile, a Tribune Online article on June 17, 2025, quoted local authorities admitting that attackers outmatch security forces, underscoring Nigeria’s strained police-to-citizen ratio of 1:650—well below the UN-recommended 1:450.

Senator Mark warned that residents may resort to self-defense if the government fails to act, urging both federal and state authorities to enhance security measures. In response, Tinubu has dispatched key officials, including the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the IGP, and the National Security Adviser, to Benue ahead of a presidential visit.

The situation remains tense, with social media reactions ranging from skepticism about political motives to calls for increased police action. As investigations continue, the pressure mounts on the NPF to address the crisis and restore public trust.