‘We’re here to govern, not to bury’ – Tinubu directs formation of inclusive peace committee in Benue
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday directed Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, to immediately establish an inclusive peace committee aimed at restoring calm after the tragic massacre of over 200 individuals in Yelewata community, Guma Local Government Area, by suspected armed herders.
During his visit to Makurdi, following the deadly attacks, the President emphasized the need for a collaborative approach, insisting that the peace committee should involve all relevant stakeholders, including former governors, traditional leaders, religious leaders, and even non-indigenes. He expressed his commitment to personally engage in the efforts to foster peace.
“Let’s establish the committee of leaders. We cannot do without one another,” the President stated at a town hall meeting held at the Government House in Makurdi.
He urged collective responsibility among leaders, saying, “Whatever we need to do, I want us—this leadership committee now—to meet in Abuja to really fashion out the nucleus of a lasting peace, and I’m ready to invest in that peace.”
Stressing the importance of cooperation, Tinubu highlighted the need for synergy with neighboring Nasarawa State. He said, “The governor of Nasarawa is here and the governor of Benue is here; let’s create that synergy for peace, development, and prosperity.”
Tinubu called on the people of Benue to rally behind Governor Alia during this critical period and encouraged communities to embrace peace and inclusion. “This is a very critical time. The governor needs your help. Let’s have a committee with non-indigenes incorporated,” he urged.
Affirming the federal government’s support and his dedication to ending the cycle of violence, he assured residents, “I give you the assurance that we will find peace, we will convert this tragedy to prosperity again and again.”
The President also expressed discontent over the lack of arrests related to the mass killings and called for immediate action from security agencies. “Police, I hope your men are on alert to listen to information. How come no arrest has been made? I expect there should be arrest of those criminals,” he said.
He thanked the military high command for their efforts so far but pressed for enhanced vigilance and coordination. “Let’s get those criminals, let’s get them out,” he urged.
Tinubu tasked heads of intelligence agencies to bolster their surveillance and response capabilities. “DG NIA and DG DSS, retool your information channels and let’s have tangible intelligence that this will not occur again,” he stated.
Reiterating his administration’s commitment to national development, the President underscored that real progress depends on peace and security. “It’s only when you make the people of your state the priority that you can plan good for them and execute good programmes,” he remarked.
He concluded by reaffirming the federal government’s dedication to helping Benue heal and move forward after the recent tragedy, stating, “I want the traditional rulers—the Tor Tiv, the Och’Idoma and others—to be included in this peace committee. I’m ready to invest in that peace.”
Source: The Nation
