IGP kicks against military option in Benue, says his men are on ground

Ibrahim Idris, inspector-general of police (IGP), has kicked against the deployment of military in Benue, saying the force had deployed 660 personnel from some units to complement the security architecture in the state.

Some residents had called on President Muhammadu Buhari to use military option in solving the herdsmen crisis in the state.

Samuel Ortom, the governor, had said he was open to the idea.

But speaking in Makurdi, Benue capital on Wednesday, Idris said the military can only intervene when the police are overwhelmed.

He added that the force was determined to create a safe and secure environment for the people of the state and Nigeria as a whole.

He also apologised to the people of Benue state over his statement that herdsmen attacks in the state were communal clashes.

Over 80 persons are believed to have died in various attacks orchestrated by herdsmen in the state.

While reacting to the killings, said that contrary to reports, Idris had said they were as a result of communal clashes not herdsmen attacks.

But addressing Benue citizens not long after his arrival in the state, the IGP said anyone involved in the killings would be brought to book.

He said the meeting was geared toward finding the lasting solution to the crisis rocking various communities in the state.

“I want to assure you that the police will not rest on its oars until these hoodlums are apprehended and brought to justice,” he said.

“We are conducting an investigation into the killings and will take appropriate action against perpetrators of the heinous crime.

“I want to assure you that police have put in place security measures to checkmate activities of miscreants.”

Idris also promised to take appropriate action against anyone carrying arms around.