Muhammadu Buhari, president of Nigeria, has condemned the wanton killings of innocent Nigerians by suspected herdsmen in Benue and other parts of the country.
Buhari, therefore, ordered the arrest of anybody found bearing arms illegally, while also warning against reprisal attacks to strengthen security in parts of the country.
Buhari issued the warning on Tuesday, February 6, 2018, while commissioning the Comprehensive Special School, Lafia in Nasarawa State.
He enjoined all citizens to always resist the temptation of engaging in reprisals, saying the Federal Government is working hard to ensure that peace and stability reign supreme across the country.
Buhari reassured the people of North Central region that his administration would no longer tolerate the unwarranted killing of innocent citizens.
The President said the federal government had put in place adequate measures to end the crisis and maintain law and order.
The President spoke on Tuesday at the inauguration of Comprehensive Special School, Lafia, Nasarawa State.
He sympathised with victims of reported attacks and urged them not to engage in reprisals.
He reassured the people of North Central that the Federal Government had put in place, adequate measures, to end the crisis and maintain law and order.
“I also want to assure the people of the north central and indeed all Nigerians that the federal government is working day night to ensure peace and stability returns.
“We have deployed additional resources to all the affected areas to maintain law and order.
“I appeal to all Nigerians to refrain from reprisal attacks. The security agencies have standing order to arrest and prosecute any and all persons found with illegal arms.
“I will once again express my condolences and sympathy to all the affected victims of these barbaric acts,’’ he said.
It would be recalled that such barbaric killings took place on Jan. 1 where suspected herders attacked villages in Logo and Guma local government areas of Benue with over 73 people murdered.
The killings of the 73 people had spilled into violent reprisals with seven travellers believed to be of Fulani extraction were killed and their corpses roasted by rampaging crowd believed to be criminal elements in the society.
Buhari on Tuesday arrived in Lafia, capital of Nasarawa state, for a state visit and to commission some projects.
The president was received by the state governor, Tanko Al-Makura; Plateau State governor, Mr. Simon Lalong; and Deputy Governor of Benue state and other dignitaries.
Nasarawa Governor Tanko Al-Makura hands over rice plant to farmers Nasarawa Governor Tanko Al-Makura
Some of the projects to be commissioned are Lafia Comprehensive Special School; Comprehensive Primary Healthcare Centre in Kwandere; Muhammadu Buhari International market, Karu.
Ahead of the visit security personnel have been deployed in major streets.
The police and other personnel of other security agencies have been stationed in strategic locations.
