Tinubu Moves To End Benue Killings, Orders Peace Committee And Ranch Project

 Tinubu Moves To End Benue Killings, Orders Peace Committee And Ranch Project

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the formation of a high-level peace leadership committee in Benue State, following the massacre of over 200 residents in Yelewata community, Guma Local Government Area, by suspected armed herders.

During a town hall meeting held in Makurdi on Wednesday, Tinubu described the crisis as a long-standing wound that must be healed urgently. He ordered the inclusion of traditional leaders, including the Tor Tiv and Ochi Idoma, in the peace committee and tasked the state government with ensuring the committee’s effectiveness in facilitating reconciliation and security.

The president also instructed the Minister of Livestock, Idi Muktar, to immediately begin working with the Benue State Government on establishing a ranch, describing it as a sustainable step to resolve the lingering farmers-herders crisis in the region.

“For us in Nigeria, we must find a solution to the root of this conflict. We have enough land to cultivate and raise our children. If we learn how to share and accommodate, we can all prosper,” Tinubu said.

He emphasised that peace in Benue is critical to national food security, adding that continued violence would frustrate any efforts to achieve economic development and food sovereignty.

Turning Tragedy into Economic Opportunity

Tinubu called for a collective approach to rebuild the state’s economy, promising federal support in converting Benue’s tragedies into avenues for growth and job creation.

“We will establish a ranch in Benue. Give me land. Let us shake off this backwardness and build a legacy without stain. Food sovereignty cannot be achieved in a climate of fear and death,” he declared.

The president reiterated his administration’s commitment to long-term peace, urging political actors to avoid fueling division.

“The value of human life is greater than that of a cow. Political enemies may try to distract us, but this is a time for unity, not division. Let us rally behind Governor Alia’s leadership,” he said.

Citizens Must Work with Government

President Tinubu urged citizens to support state leadership and commit to peacebuilding, saying sustainable security must come from within the communities. He also proposed a committee of non-indigenes to ensure all groups are represented in the healing process.

Governor Hyacinth Alia, who welcomed the presidential directive, assured stakeholders that his administration will act swiftly on the president’s instructions and called for collaboration with federal authorities to bring peace and development to Benue State.