By Ayo Kehinde
The Inspector General of Police, Mr Kayode Egbetokun, has condemned the recent attack and killing of residents in Yelwata community, Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, describing it as senseless and barbaric.
Speaking during a visit to the Police Command on Monday, the IGP vowed that the perpetrators of the heinous act would be brought to justice to serve as a deterrent to others.
“The killing of innocent people in Yelwata is senseless and barbaric. We will ensure that those behind this act are brought to book,” Egbetokun said while addressing officers and men of the command at the Officers’ Mess in Makurdi.
He expressed satisfaction with the commendations from Governor Hyacinth Alia and the Commissioner of Police regarding the competence and professionalism of officers in the state, pledging to reward dedication and hard work.
Egbetokun urged senior officers to lead by example and mentor younger personnel under their supervision.
“If you’re the kind of officer who uses your juniors to collect money for you, that’s what they’ll remember you for. Some officers behave as if they’ve never attended any police training,” he said.
He further encouraged officers to exhibit commitment, integrity, and discipline while shunning corruption and extortion, noting that only those with such values could aspire to become IGP someday.
Earlier, the IGP, alongside Governor Alia and the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, held a closed-door meeting with traditional rulers and stakeholders in Yelwata.
Governor Alia, in his remarks, said the visit of the nation’s top security chiefs had rekindled hope for safety and peace in the communities under attack.
He thanked President Bola Tinubu for directing the immediate deployment of security leadership to the state.
Alia also reiterated his administration’s commitment to working with security agencies to ensure the protection of lives and property across Benue.
