The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, in furtherance of his commitment to strengthening internal security architecture across the country, has approved the creation of two new Area Commands and the upgrade of five Police Stations to Divisional status in Benue State.
Egbetokun’s action is in line with President Bola Tinubu’s directive to security agents to avoid repeating June 13 incidents where over 200 innocent persons were massacred.
Recall that in the early hours of Friday, June 13, 2025, more than 200 villagers were slaughtered by heavily armed herdsmen in Yelwata, a farming community in Guma, Benue State. This mass killing is part of a disturbing wave of targeted violence that has swept across central Nigeria in recent weeks.
According to police spokesman, DCP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, this strategic adjustment follows a comprehensive appraisal of the security realities within the State, particularly in troubled Local Government Areas where additional deployments and police presence become highly imperative. The new strategic move is geared towards bridging identified operational gaps, enhancing Police visibility, and ensuring more effective policing of difficult terrains.
The newly created Area Commands are Daudu Area Command, which will oversee Guma, Daudu, Yelwata, and Agan Police Divisions; and Naka Area Command, which will supervise Naka, Apa, Agatu, and Okpokolo Police Divisions. In the same vein, Ayilamo, Yelwata, Jato-Aka, Okpokolo, and Agan Police Stations have been upgraded to full-fledged Divisions.
This restructuring is aimed at ensuring improved response to distress calls, fostering quicker resolution of conflicts and bringing policing services closer to the grassroots for better security outcomes.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, has charged the Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command, alongside the Officers to be deployed to the newly created Area Commands and upgraded Divisional Headquarters, to demonstrate renewed commitment and professionalism in ensuring robust security for the people within the affected areas. He also called on the Government and the good people of Benue State to continue to support the Police at all levels, noting that such collaboration remains pivotal to enhancing quality service delivery and sustaining peace across the State.
Furthermore, the Inspector-General of Police directed Commissioners of Police in other areas experiencing similar security challenges arising from difficult terrains to evolve practical strategies that will guarantee comprehensive and community-driven policing within their jurisdictions. He assured them of the necessary support and resources from the Force Headquarters to ensure effective and sustainable policing across the country.