President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced the establishment of a peace committee aimed at addressing the persistent violent attacks in Benue State, particularly those linked to suspected herdsmen.
The president made the announcement during a stakeholders’ meeting held at the Government House banquet hall in Makurdi, where he met with leaders and residents of the state to condole with them over the recent killings in Guma Local Government Area. The attacks in the Yelewata and Daudu communities reportedly left over 200 people dead.
Tinubu said the peace committee would be composed of prominent traditional rulers and key local leaders, including the Tor Tiv, Professor James Ayatse, and the Och’Idoma, among others.
“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,” the president said.
He expressed his commitment to ensuring the end of the cycle of violence that has plagued Benue communities for years, promising that the federal government would support all efforts toward sustainable peace.
“By now, you may be bored of hearing my voice,” Tinubu added, “but I give you the assurance, we will find peace; we will convert this tragedy to prosperity.”
His visit follows national outrage and calls for urgent federal intervention over the rising insecurity in parts of Benue State, which continues to suffer deadly clashes between farmers and herders.
