President Bola Tinubu is aiming to transform the devastation in Benue State into an opportunity for lasting peace, launching a new peace committee comprised of key traditional leaders and community figures. The move comes in the wake of horrific attacks in the Yelewata and Daudu communities of Guma LGA, where suspected herdsmen claimed the lives of over 200 people.
During a stakeholders’ meeting in Makurdi, President Tinubu declared his commitment to finding a lasting solution to the conflict. He announced the formation of a leadership committee, including the Tor Tiv, James Ayatse, and the Och’Idoma, to develop a framework for peace. “I want us to create this leadership committee now and then meet in Abuja to fashion out the nucleus for lasting peace, and I’m ready to invest in that peace,” Tinubu stated, emphasizing his willingness to put resources behind the initiative.
The President expressed optimism despite the grim circumstances, saying, “By now, you may be bored of hearing my voice, but I give you the assurance, we will find peace; we will convert this tragedy to prosperity.”
However, the meeting wasn’t without its sharp edges. President Tinubu directly criticized Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun for the “failure” of police to apprehend those responsible for the recent attacks. He also called on service chiefs, the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), and the Department of Security Services (DSS) to intensify their efforts in combating terror threats throughout Nigeria.
By combining a commitment to local leadership and investment in peace with a direct challenge to security forces, President Tinubu’s approach aims to address both the immediate crisis and the underlying issues fueling conflict in Benue State.
