By Olatunbosun Obafemi
In a decisive move aimed at curbing the persistent violence in Benue State, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday announced the establishment of a peace committee during a high-level stakeholders’ meeting held at the Government House Banquet Hall in Makurdi.
This development comes in the wake of a brutal attack on the Yelwata community that reportedly claimed over 200 lives, sparking nationwide outrage and renewed calls for federal intervention.
Addressing a gathering of traditional rulers, security chiefs, state governors, and political leaders, Tinubu said the peace committee would include prominent traditional rulers such as the Tor Tiv, Professor James Ayatse, and the Och’Idoma, among other community leaders.
The President emphasized that the committee’s mandate would be to develop a sustainable framework for resolving the long-standing communal and herder-farmer conflicts that have ravaged Benue for years.
“I want us to create this leadership committee now, and then we meet in Abuja to really fashion out the nucleus for a lasting peace,” Tinubu stated. “I’m ready to invest in that peace. And I want the traditional rulers – Tor Tiv and Och’Idoma – to be included. 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.”
Earlier in the day, the President visited victims of the Yelwata massacre receiving treatment at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital. Visibly moved by the scale of the carnage, Tinubu expressed deep concern over the rising death toll and, notably, the absence of arrests in connection with the killings. He did not mince words when addressing the nation’s security leadership.
“How come no arrest has been made?” he asked pointedly. “Police, I hope your men are on alert to listen to information. I expect there should be an arrest of those criminals.”
Directing his remarks to the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, as well as the heads of the Air Force, Department of State Services (DSS), and the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Tinubu issued a call for improved intelligence and tactical response.
“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 out. DG NIA, DG SSS, retool your information channels. Let’s have tangible intelligence so this doesn’t happen again, ” said the president.
The President’s remarks signal a growing frustration with the apparent impunity enjoyed by perpetrators of mass violence in the region. His call for retooling intelligence operations comes amid criticism of federal security agencies’ inability to prevent or respond swiftly to such attacks.
Beyond the security imperative, Tinubu made an emotional appeal for national unity, urging Nigerians to focus on defeating common enemies – such as insecurity and poverty – rather than engaging in internal divisions. “Let us unite. Let us heal. Let us work together,” he said.
The stakeholders’ meeting was attended by Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State, several governors from the North-Central region, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, as well as top military brass and traditional rulers. The gathering reflected the gravity of the situation and the urgency of finding a long-term solution to Benue’s persistent conflicts.
With his visit to Makurdi and announcement of a peace committee, President Tinubu appears to be signaling a more hands-on federal approach to tackling insecurity in Nigeria’s Middle Belt. Whether this renewed political will can translate into real change remains to be seen, but for the communities of Benue still reeling from loss, the hope is that action will finally follow words.
