In the wake of last Friday’s massacre in Yelewata community, Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, where around 200 people were reportedly killed by suspected armed herders, President Bola Tinubu has inaugurated a high-powered peace committee to restore lasting peace to the state.
The President appointed key figures, including former Benue governors—Gen. Atom Kpera (retd.), Senator George Akume, Senator Gabriel Suswam, and Samuel Ortom—alongside traditional rulers such as the Tor Tiv, HRM Prof. James Ayatse, and the Ochidoma, HRM Dr. John Elaigwu. Federal officials and representatives of non-indigenes living in Benue are also part of the committee.
At a town hall meeting held at the Benue State Government House banquet hall in Makurdi on Wednesday, President Tinubu advised Governor Hyacinth Alia to take the lead in the committee’s activities and emphasized the need for collaboration with neighbouring states, especially Nasarawa, whose governor, Abdullahi Sule, was also present.
“This tragedy must be turned into prosperity. Let us build a framework for sustainable peace. I am ready to invest in that peace,” Tinubu declared. He added, “We’re here to govern, not to bury. We’re here to raise families, not to lose them.”
Present at the meeting were traditional rulers, former governors, and governors from Kwara, Imo, Kogi, Plateau, Ondo, and Nasarawa States. The President called on Benue residents to support their governor and urged the inclusion of non-indigenes in peace-building efforts.
Confirming the attack, which occurred on June 13, Amnesty International and local reports said at least 100 people were killed, with dozens missing and many wounded. Many victims were internally displaced persons who had previously fled other attacks. The Benue government has launched a manhunt, but fears persist of further violence as the rainy season intensifies—often a flashpoint for grazing-related conflicts.
Pope Francis also mentioned the massacre during his Sunday Angelus, praying for the victims. Rights groups have described the killings as part of a wider pattern of impunity, farmer-herder violence, and insecurity across the region.
At the town hall meeting, Tinubu ordered the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, to arrest the perpetrators without delay.
“I expect the police to act immediately. How come no arrest has been made yet?” the President asked. He expressed appreciation to the military for their response but urged intensified efforts. “We need to keep our ears to the ground. Let’s get those criminals out,” he added.
Tinubu also directed the heads of intelligence agencies, including the NIA and DSS, to improve surveillance and provide concrete intelligence to prevent further attacks. He instructed Governor Alia to allocate land for ranching and asked the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security to follow up on implementation. The President also called for blood donations to aid victims being treated at the Benue State Teaching Hospital, Makurdi.
While stressing that peace was essential to development, Tinubu lamented the tragedy that brought him to the state. “I wanted to come here to commission projects, not to see grieving faces. The value of a human life is greater than a cow. Governor Alia, you were elected to ensure peace and progress, not to bury the people.”
He added, “Not everyone will like you in politics. They don’t like me either—but I remain your President. Leadership means protecting even those who attack you.”
Governor Alia’s Appeal
Governor Hyacinth Alia appealed to the Federal Government to establish a Special Intervention Fund for communities affected by repeated violent attacks across the state. He said the fund would aid in rebuilding homes, rehabilitating displaced persons, and restoring livelihoods—particularly for farmers. He reaffirmed his support for state policing as a long-term solution to the region’s insecurity.
Traditional Rulers Speak
Tor Tiv, Orchivirigh Prof. James Ayatse, commended President Tinubu for personally visiting victims in the hospital and used the opportunity to clarify the root of the crisis.
“This is not about herder-farmer clashes or communal conflicts. What we face in Benue is a deliberate, well-organized, genocidal land-grabbing campaign by herder-terrorists and bandits,” he said. The monarch warned that mischaracterizing the crisis has led to inadequate responses and accused some politicians of exploiting the tragedy for political gain.
He called on Tinubu to give Benue lasting peace, stating, “All we ask is for you to stop our weeping. Let our farmers return to their lands and feed the nation.”
Reactions from Stakeholders
The Northern Elders Forum condemned the persistent killings in Benue, describing them as “genocide” and a symptom of systemic collapse and political complicity. In a statement by its spokesperson, Prof. Abubakar Jiddere, the Forum warned that Benue, a vital agricultural hub, is being ravaged while government responses remain weak or absent.
“In Guma and Logo LGAs, another 200 lives were lost. Thousands are now in overcrowded IDP camps with little to no access to basic needs,” the Forum said. It also rejected the “ethnic conflict” narrative, stating the crisis stems from political failures and criminal negligence.
Religious Voices Add Pressure
The Concerned Christian Youth Forum also expressed alarm at the worsening violence. In a statement by its convener, James Adama, the group urged community vigilance and stronger leadership, saying, “The systematic extermination of civilians has reached unspeakable levels. We mourn with the victims and demand immediate action.”
ADEOLA KUNLE
