President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday revealed plans to establish a leadership committee aimed at achieving lasting peace in Benue State, which has suffered repeated violent attacks attributed to suspected herdsmen over the years.
The president made the announcement during a visit to the state, where he met with victims of last Friday’s Yelwata community massacre and held a crucial stakeholders’ dialogue at the Government House in Makurdi.
Speaking at the high-level gathering, Tinubu emphasized that the leadership committee, which would include the Tor Tiv V, Och’Idoma, and other traditional rulers, will convene in Abuja to develop a long-term framework for peace in the region.
He noted that investing in peace was a top priority for his administration and expressed confidence that dialogue and collaboration could pave the way forward.
“I will want us to create this leadership committee now and then we meet in Abuja to really fashion out the nucleus for a lasting peace, and I’m ready to invest in that peace,” the president said.
He called for the inclusion of respected traditional authorities such as the Tor Tiv and Och’Idoma, stressing the importance of their roles in community reconciliation and mediation.
“I think by now you will be bored of hearing my voice, but I give you the assurance, we will find peace, we will convert this tragedy to prosperity,” Tinubu said, reaffirming his commitment to ending the protracted violence.
The president also urged Nigerians to stop internal strife and unite against the real threats that endanger national cohesion. He noted that the cycle of attacks and reprisals, especially in rural communities across Benue, must end, and all hands must be on deck to secure the nation.
Tinubu used the opportunity to deliver a stern directive to Nigeria’s security chiefs and the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun. He demanded swift and decisive action to apprehend those responsible for the killings.
“Police, I hope your men are on alert to listen to information. How come no arrest has been made? I expect there should be an arrest of those criminals,” he stated.
Turning to the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, and other military leaders, the president added, “Christopher, you have given much. I watch your comments, you can’t be tired of staying in the bush. Oloyede and the Air Marshal, we thank all of you, but we need to keep our ears to the ground, let’s get those criminals, let’s get them out.”
He further urged intelligence agencies, including the Directors-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) and the Department of State Services (DSS), to enhance their operations and ensure actionable intelligence is obtained to prevent further attacks.
Prior to the town hall meeting, President Tinubu visited survivors of the recent Yelwata attack, which left over 50 people dead. The president’s visit to the Benue State University Teaching Hospital provided him with firsthand insight into the suffering of those injured and displaced by the violence.
The stakeholders’ forum was attended by several notable figures, including Benue State Governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia; traditional rulers like Tor Tiv V, Professor James Ayatse; other state governors, senior security officials, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu; and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume. Their collective presence underscored the urgency of the matter and the need for collaborative solutions.
President Tinubu’s visit marks a significant step in federal efforts to confront the longstanding security crisis in Benue State, where farmers and rural communities have been under siege due to persistent conflicts attributed to armed herders.
What You Should Know
President Tinubu has proposed forming a leadership committee, including traditional rulers, to find a lasting peace solution in Benue State.
He has also tasked the nation’s top security agencies to apprehend those behind the recent Yelwata killings and prevent future attacks through improved intelligence and rapid response.
