Buhari orders investigation into Benue killings

President Mohammadu Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari has ordered security agencies find out causes of clashes between herdsmen and indigenes that led to deaths of hundreds of people in four communities of Agatu area of Benue State

In a statement released by a spokesman for the President, Garba Shehu, President Buhari expressed deep shock at the latest incident which led to the death of hundreds of people.

“We will conduct an investigation to know exactly what happened. The only way to bring an end to the violence once and for all is to look beyond one incident and ascertain exactly what factors are behind the conflicts.”

“We are all one nation and one people. There should not be any reason why Nigerians of any group or tongue cannot now reside with one another wherever they find themselves after decades of living together,” He said.

President Buhari expressed condolences to the government and people of Benue State, particularly the people of the Agatu communities and assured them that the government would do everything possible to prevent occurrence of similar clashes in the future. He stressed that all Nigerians must learn to live together in peace and unity.

Clashes between Fulani herdsmen and villagers across the country have escalated over the years, leaving many dead and properties destroyed.