Benue killings: Herders, farmers responsible will be held accountable, says Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari says the perpetrators of the recent killings in Benue state will be held accountable.

At least 36 persons were killed on Wednesday in an attack by gunmen on Gbeji community in Ukum LGA of Benue.

In a statement issued on Saturday by Garba Shehu, his spokesperson, the president said it is unacceptable “for lives to be taken by herdsmen and farmers alike”.

Buhari said the federal government will assist the state in investigating and bringing the culprits to book.

“President Muhammadu Buhari and all his administration condemn the recent attacks in Benue state,” the statement reads. 

“It is unacceptable for lives to be taken by herdsmen and farmers alike. No one should attack anyone because of their way of life. Neither should anyone take revenge on others for injustice done to them. Both should be held accountable for their actions, and justice delivered. 

“It is equally unacceptable for the lives of those merely practising their duties as police officers and government officials to also be lost. Government will hold those that took those lives to account. 

“There are many times when President Buhari and Governor Ortom of Benue State have disagreed politically. But, today, the President puts all these aside, to reach out to the Governor to express the heartfelt condolences of the nation for what has occurred in recent days. 

“The President pledges the full support of the federal administration in assisting him, his state government, and people of Benue with resources to investigate what has occurred. 

“When tragedies like this occur, we must remember first and foremost that we are all Nigerians. 

“Politics too often gets in the way of what is best for our nation. Too often, it divides us. As those who have been entrusted with leadership by our citizens, we have a duty to remember that, and do everything we can to bridge divisions and come together in the interests of all our people.”