Would you like to receive notifications on latest updates of the following headlines?

Tinubu Assembles High-Level Committee After Benue Tragedy

POSTED ON June 19, 2025 •   POLITICS      BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu announced the formation of a committee on Wednesday aimed at restoring sustainable peace in Benue State following last Friday's massacre in Yelewata community, Guma Local Government Area, where approximately 200 individuals were killed. 

The peace committee includes notable members such as former Military Governor of Benue, Gen Atom Kpera (retd.), and former governors Senator George Akume, Senator Gabriel Suswam, and Samuel Ortom.

Traditional leaders HRM Prof. James Ayatse, the Paramount Ruler of Tiv Nation, and HRM Dr. John Elaigwu, the Ochidoma, are also part of the committee.

During a town hall meeting at the Governor's residence in Makurdi, Tinubu stressed the importance of stakeholder engagement in achieving peaceful governance and encouraged Governor Hyacinth Alia to lead the committee's initiatives, which will also involve federal officials and non-indigenes residing in the state.

He expressed his commitment to turning this tragedy into a foundation for prosperity, stating, “Let’s convene again in Abuja to develop a framework for lasting peace. I assure you, we will achieve peace.”

The meeting also included various governors from states like Kwara, Imo, and Nasarawa, emphasizing the need for collaboration with neighboring regions to facilitate peace.

Addressing the violence, Tinubu called for the inclusion of traditional rulers in the peace efforts and reminded the community of its importance in supporting the governor to foster an inclusive environment.

He assured them of federal support and his determination to break the cycle of violence, promising, “We will transform this tragedy into prosperity.”

Reports indicate that armed herders attacked Yelewata village, resulting in significant casualties and widespread fear among residents as they brace for possible further violence in the dry season, traditionally a contentious time for farming and grazing.

Following the attack, Tinubu directed law enforcement leaders to expedite arrests of the perpetrators, expressing disappointment over the lack of apprehensions following the tragedy, urging law enforcement to remain vigilant.

He also instructed intelligence agencies to refine information-gathering systems to prevent future occurrences.

Additionally, he underscored the necessity of allocating land for ranching and encouraged blood donations for the injured.

He highlighted the crucial role of peace in development and regretted that his visit was necessitated by tragedy rather than to inaugurate projects. He implored the governor to work collaboratively toward peace.

Governor Alia, advocating for a Special Intervention Fund to help communities affected by violence, voiced concerns about rehabilitation and infrastructure reconstruction for displaced individuals and stressed the importance of establishing state police for improved security.

During the meeting, Tor Tiv, Prof. James Ayatse, commended Tinubu for his direct engagement with the victims and condemned the ongoing violence, which he characterized as a calculated genocide perpetuated by herder-terrorists, countering claims of it being merely herder-farmer conflict and accusing politicians of exploiting the situation.

The Northern Elders Forum condemned the persistent violence in Benue, labeling it genocide caused by governmental inaction and systemic failures. They pointed out the urgent need for security and governance accountability.

The Concerned Christian Youth Forum expressed deep concern over the violence, calling for immediate action to restore peace and protect lives, while standing in solidarity with affected families.

READ ALSO
Ongoing Constitutional Review Aims to Empower Nigerians Against Unilateral Changes- Deputy Senate President
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 5, 2025 0

In a significant step towards amending Nigeria's 1999 Constitution, the Deputy Senate President and...

READ ALSO
Aregbesola Urges ADC Supporters to Maintain Civility Amid Political Tensions
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 5, 2025 0

After the formal introduction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Abuja, former Interior Min...

READ ALSO
2027 Election: Aisha Yesufu Urges ADC to Prioritize Youth,Women in Leadership
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 3, 2025 0

Socio-political activist Aisha Yesufu has expressed concerns regarding the makeup of the recently fo...

READ ALSO
We Rendered Oil Smuggling Unattractive, A New Era for Nigeria's Economy - Tinubu
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 3, 2025 0

President Bola Tinubu has proclaimed that his administration has salvaged Nigeria’s economy fr...

READ ALSO
Amaechi Exits APC, Calls for Urgent Restructuring of Nigeria
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 2, 2025 0

A former Minister of Transportation,Rotimi Amaechi,has left the All Progressives Congress (APC).&nbs...

READ ALSO
Lagos Assembly Summons AG over Controversial Local Government Law Commencement
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 1, 2025 0

The Lagos State House of Assembly has called upon the State’s Attorney General, Lawal Pedro (S...

READ ALSO
PDP Bigwigs Urge Nigerians to Join New Coalition Against APC
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 1, 2025 0

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Senate President David Mark, ex-Governor of Jigawa Stat...

READ ALSO
Senate approves new leadership for Law Reform commission
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 1, 2025 0

The Senate has ratified the appointment of Professor Dakas C.J. Dakas as the Chairman of the Nigeria...

OUR CHANNELS:

IRCC Raises Minimum Proof of Funds for Immigrants: New Threshold Set at CAD $15,262
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 10, 2025 0

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has initiated a review of the settlement fund cr...


Nigeria Urges U.S. to Reassess New Visa Restrictions Amid Concerns Over Reciprocity
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 10, 2025 0

The government of President Bola Tinubu has called on the U.S. government to reassess its visa restr...


Vigilante Leader Vows to Continue Fight against Banditry Despite Heavy Losses
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 10, 2025 0

A vigilante leader in Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State, Abdullahi Hussaini, has pledged t...


JAMB Reports Surge in Exam Malpractices, Two Arrested in Katsina
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 10, 2025 0

Data released by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board at its 2025 policy meeting on Tuesday...


Rio Ferdinand Urges Manchester United to Secure Victor Osimhen Amidst Transfer Rumors
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 10, 2025 0

Former Manchester United captain Rio Ferdinand has once again advised the club regarding their searc...


Ex-D’Tigers coach Brown sets goals for new job
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 9, 2025 0

The former head coach of the Nigerian men's national basketball team, D'Tigers,Mike Brown,has s...


U.S. Reduces Visa Duration for Nigerians to Three Months
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 10, 2025 0

The U.S. Department of State has changed its five-year visa policy for Nigerians applying for non-im...


JAMB Sets 2024 Cut-Off Marks for Tertiary Institutions
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 10, 2025 0

The Joint Admissions Matriculation Board announced the admission cut-off marks for universities, pol...


Federal Government Launches Exclusive Passport Office for Senior Officials
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 10, 2025 0

ABUJA, Nigeria - The federal government on Tuesday, inaugurated a new passport front office in Abuja...


African Democratic Congress Claims Government Coercion to Weaken Opposition Coalition
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 9, 2025 0

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of ta...


More Articles

Load more...

Menu