President Muhammadu Buhari has ordered an investigation into the clashes between herdsmen and indigenes of four communities in Benue State.

“We will conduct an investigation to know exactly what happened; the only way to bring an end to the violence once and for all is to look beyond one incident and ascertain exactly what factors are behind the conflicts.” President said in a statement signed by the special assistant to the President on media and publicity, Garba Shehu.

President expressed “deep shock” at the large-scale violence that led to hundreds of deaths in four communities in Agatu local government area of Benue State.

Many houses were also razed and properties destroyed before security agents restored peace.

He added that all Nigerians must learn to live together as one, in peace and unity.

“We are all one nation and one people,” he said. “There should not be any reason why Nigerians of any group or tongue cannot now reside with one another wherever they find themselves after decades of living together.”

The President further expressed condolences to the government and people of Benue State, particularly the people of the Agatu communities, assuring them that the government would do everything possible to ensure that no such incident ever occurred in their midst again.

“Once the investigations are concluded, we will act immediately to address the root of the problem,” he said.