The Nigeria Police Force has debunked claims that President Muhammadu Buhari queried the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, for flouting his presidential order to relocate to Benue.
In the wake of Fulani herdsmen attacks that left 73 persons dead in Guma and Logo LGAs of Benue State on New Year’s Day, Buhari had ordered Idris to relocate to the state on January 9 to coordinate security efforts in the state.
However, Buhari expressed surprise last Monday when he visited the state and the governor, Samuel Ortom, and some elders of the state, said Idris did not spend the night in Benue.
Idris reportedly spent a few hours after arrival in the state before moving to Nasarawa the same day and then returning to Abuja.
Idris visited Presidential Villa on Tuesday, where he was reportedly queried for flouting the presidential order.
An official presidential Twitter handle tweeted: “Pres @MBuhari today summoned the Inspector-General of Police to explain his flouting of the presidential order to remain in Benue State. The President has also asked for a comprehensive report on Police Operations in the affected States, after which further decisions will be made. We would like to restate our determination to ensure that the attacks and killings are brought to an end, and perpetrators brought to justice.”
However, the Force Public Relations Officer, Jimoh Moshood, was quoted by THISDAY on Saturday as saying that those carrying the query rumours were out to cause disharmony between the police boss and the presidency.
“Anybody that said the IGP was queried by the president should bring the copy of the query, let us display it,” he said.
Moshood added that Buhari’s visit to Benue has improved the security situation in the state.