Benue killings: Presidency may take military action against perpetrators - Source

Benue killings: Presidency may take military action against perpetrators - Source

- A source has disclosed that the presidency may take military action to end the killings associated with herdsmen in various parts of the country

- The decision comes following the National Economic Council’s meeting which took place on Thursday, January 25

- The committee set up by the NEC to address the issue reportedly resolved that there was need to employ more decisive action via the military, to end the impunity

The federal government may opt to take military action to deal with perpetrators of the killings recorded in many parts of the country, most especially in Benue state, which have been attributed to herdsmen.

According to Vanguard, the development was disclosed by a reliable source from the presidency who reportedly spoke on the condition of anonymity.

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Legit.ng gathers that the source stated that the need for a fresh approach had been provoked by ‘bandits and mercenaries’ who carry out the atrocious acts.

He also disclosed that the new approach was the outcome of the committee put together by the National Economic Council and chaired by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, to find ways to put an end to the crisis.

He stated: “The settled view in official circles is that the reported killings and violence recorded are the work of bandits and mercenaries since in many cases the herdsmen are often well-known in the communities where their cattle normally graze.”

According to the source, following the meeting, a clear consensus had been reached on the need to employ more decisive action via the military, to end the impunity.

Governor Umar Ganduje of Kano state who spoke after the NEC’s meeting which held on Thursday, January 25, stated that the group would “work in accordance with the president’s commitment to ensuring that all perpetrators of violence are brought to book."

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Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that the inspector-general of police, Ibrahim Idris, reiterated the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to apprehend and prosecute perpetrators of the New Year killings in Benue.

President Muhammadu Buhari had ordered the IGP to move to Benue, to restore law and order and forestall the crisis from escalating.

Idris, who made the promise during stakeholders meeting in Makurdi, assured that anyone involved in the killings would be brought to book.

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Source: Legit.ng

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