Benue Attacks: “Human Life worth more than Cows”—Tinubu Declares,Questions Failure to Arrest Culprits

President Bola Tinubu Wednesday issued a strong condemnation of the recent massacre in Benue State, asserting that human life is far more valuable than cattle and demanding swift action from the nation’s security agencies.

Speaking during a visit to Makurdi, the Benue State capital, Tinubu expressed outrage over the continued violence in the state, particularly the recent attack on Yelwata community in Guma Local Government Area, which reportedly left over 200 dead and thousands displaced.

“How come no arrests have been made?” Tinubu asked pointedly during a stakeholders’ meeting at the Benue Government House.

“I expect that those criminals should be in custody by now. The police must remain alert and responsive to credible intelligence.”

The president directed the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and heads of intelligence agencies to redouble efforts in apprehending the perpetrators.

“You can’t be tired,” Tinubu told the service chiefs. “Retool your information channels, track down those responsible, and ensure this doesn’t happen again.”

The president, visibly emotional, emphasized the sacredness of human life.

“We are here to build, not bury. We are here to raise families, not mourn victims. The value of a human being is greater than that of a cow,” Tinubu declared, eliciting applause from the audience.

The visit came days after public outrage and protests erupted across Benue in the wake of the massacre. National figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party’s Peter Obi, condemned the killings and called for decisive action from the federal government.