Fear grips terrorists as CP Emenari assumes duty as Benue Commissioner of Police

Amid escalating violence in Benue State, CP Emenari Ifeanyi Innocent, PhD, has officially assumed duty as Commissioner of Police.

The Benue State Police Command confirmed his assumption of office in a statement released on Sunday, April 27, 2025.

The Command’s spokesperson, CSP Anene Sewuese Catherine, expressed confidence in CP Emenari’s ability to strengthen policing efforts across the state.

CP Emenari hails from Ekwulobia in Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State.

He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Theatre Arts from the University of Jos.

He also earned a Master’s degree and PhD in Literature in English from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife.

Since enlisting into the Nigeria Police Academy in 1992, CP Emenari has built over three decades of experience.

His career spans operational, investigative, and administrative roles across several states in Nigeria.

He served in Zamfara, Imo, Katsina, Anambra, Cross River, Osun, Ogun, Abia, and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

Between 1996 and 2003, he commanded several Police Mobile Force (PMF) units in Katsina, Anambra, and Cross River States.

Internationally, he led Nigeria’s police contingent to the United Nations Mission in Sudan.

He also served as Deputy Security Advisor in Eastern Equatorial State, South Sudan.

Domestically, CP Emenari commanded the Police College of Information Technology, Abeokuta.

He served as Area Commander at Akwete Area Command in Abia State.

Before assuming duty in Benue, he was the Commissioner of Police, Force Provost Marshal.

He attended the Unit Combat Course and Armoured Personnel Carrier Course at PMF Training School, Gwoza.

He also completed the Strategic Leadership and Command Course at the National Institute of Police Studies, Abuja.

In his new role, CP Emenari pledged to strengthen community policing and foster stronger ties with the public.

He vowed to deploy available resources effectively to secure lives and property across Benue State.

His appointment follows a series of deadly attacks that have shaken the state.

Recent reports indicate that suspected armed herders killed at least 72 people in Ukum Local Government Area.

The killings reportedly occurred between April 16 and 17, 2025.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM), reported that Governor Hyacinth Alia confirmed the tragic incidents during a media briefing.

He stated that security personnel and volunteers discovered more bodies scattered in nearby bushes.

Initially, 56 bodies were recovered from Ugondo, Logo, and Tyuluv-Gbagir communities.

Another 16 victims were later found on Monday, April 21, 2025.

Governor Alia described the killings as deliberate and aimed at disrupting the farming season.

He called for urgent federal intervention to curb the bloodshed.

Eyewitnesses reported that the attackers stormed the villages at night and opened fire indiscriminately.

They also set several homes ablaze, leaving hundreds of residents displaced.

Survivors fled to neighboring towns, abandoning their ancestral lands.

Civil society groups have condemned the attacks and demanded immediate security reinforcements.

CP Emenari’s arrival is seen as crucial to tackling the growing insecurity in Benue State.

He assured residents of his commitment to restoring peace and stability.

He emphasized that criminals would have no hiding place under his watch.

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