The Federal Government has set up a committee to restore sustainable peace to Benue State following the recent massacre in Yelewata community that claimed around 200 lives. President Bola Tinubu announced the committee’s formation during a town hall meeting in Makurdi, the state capital, attended by traditional rulers, former governors, and security officials.
The Committee’s Mandate
The committee, comprising former Benue governors, traditional rulers, and federal officials, is tasked with finding a lasting solution to the violence and promoting peace, development, and prosperity in the state. President Tinubu urged the committee to collaborate with neighbouring Nasarawa State to achieve sustainable results.
Key Directives
President Tinubu issued several directives to address the crisis:
- Arrests: The Inspector General of Police and the Chief of Defence Staff were directed to arrest those responsible for the killings immediately.
- Intelligence: The heads of intelligence agencies were tasked with improving surveillance and response systems to prevent future attacks.
- Ranching: Governor Hyacinth Alia was urged to allocate land for ranching, and the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security was directed to follow up.
Benue State’s Plea
Governor Alia appealed to the Federal Government to establish a Special Intervention Fund for communities affected by violent attacks in the state. The fund would support rehabilitation, reconstruction, and restoration of livelihoods, especially for farmers.
Background
The violence in Benue State is linked to farmer-herder tensions, banditry, and a security vacuum that allows perpetrators to act with impunity. The recent attack on Yelewata village was one of the deadliest in years, with many victims being internally displaced people.
Reactions
The killings have sparked nationwide outrage, with several groups condemning the violence and calling for urgent action to halt the bloodshed. The Northern Elders Forum described the situation as “genocide” and a direct consequence of government inaction and systemic collapse.
Conclusion
The Federal Government’s efforts to restore peace to Benue State are crucial to addressing the humanitarian crisis and promoting sustainable development. The success of the committee’s mandate will depend on the collaboration and commitment of all stakeholders involved.
