Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser (NSA), has said the Tinubu administration inherited a deeply troubled security landscape, but remains fully committed to restoring peace and stability across Nigeria.
Speaking during a high-level security stakeholders’ meeting at the Benue State Government House in Makurdi, Ribadu sympathized with the people of Benue over the persistent killings and recent attacks in the state.
He assured residents that the Federal Government is not turning a blind eye to their plight and is working tirelessly to end the violence.
“We will defeat it. The entire country is with you,” Ribadu said.
“I commiserate with the people of Benue State and assure you that this is a trying period for all of us, but we are 100 percent with you.”
He underlined Benue’s critical role in the country’s security framework, stressing the government’s resolve to ensure peace returns to the region.
“Benue is an extremely important state to Nigeria. We must fight and maintain Benue as a peaceful state. The Governor is doing well and we will support him,” he affirmed.
While acknowledging the limitations of security force deployment across all communities, Ribadu praised the ongoing efforts of Nigeria’s armed forces.
“Our armed forces are doing well. It’s impossible to post security to every hamlet. What we need is support and for people to stop politicizing the killings. That will help us restore peace.”
He noted the progress already made in improving the country’s security environment, contrasting it with what the administration met upon assuming office.
“We inherited an extremely bad government. Things have improved. We’re addressing the issues. To do harm is easy, but to fix things takes time. We have considerably reduced the level of violence we met. This, too, we will confront.”
Ribadu’s visit comes amid rising concerns over security in Benue State and other parts of Nigeria, with mounting calls for swift and effective government intervention to stem the tide of violence.