Buhari Meets IGP Over Benue, Rivers Killings

President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday met with the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Ibrahim Idris, over the security situation across the country particularly the killings recorded in Benue, Rivers and Kaduna states.

At the end of the meeting held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Idris confirmed to State House correspondents that the meeting centered on how to effectively secure the country.

He said the President gave him a directive to tighten up the nation’s security.

“Every time we meet with the President, he gives a charge. He said that we should go and take care and ensure that we tighten our security,” Idris said.

On Benue crisis, the police boss said he would deploy more units to support the efforts policemen are making in the state to ensure adequate protection for the people.

He said senior police officers deployed in the state were putting their heads together to see how they can address the crisis which he described as “community problems.”

Despite the killings in Benue, Rivers and Kaduna States, however, Idris said the country was “well secured.”

“Let’s use the example of Benue, you know most of these states where you have several languages, you know is an issue of communal misunderstanding.

“I think what we should be praying for is for Nigerians to learn to live in peace with one another. I think is very important,” he added.

While assuring Nigerians that there will not be a repeat of the crisis, he also debunked insinuations that the country is under-policed.

When asked if his men were overwhelmed, Idris replied, “We cannot be overwhelmed.”

He added, “Obviously, it (Benue crisis) is a communal crisis. Herdsmen are part of the community. They are Nigerians and are part of the community. Are they not?”

On the arrest of an online publisher, the police boss said, “I don’t need to send anybody but whenever you commit an offence it is our duty to ensure that we respond.”