President Tinubu Assembles Peace Panel to Address Benue Killings, Calls for Regional Cooperation

President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday launched a committee comprising former governors, military leaders, and traditional rulers to tackle the ongoing violence in Benue State, following the massacre in Yelewata community that reportedly killed about 200 people.

The committee includes Gen. Atom Kpera (retd.), Senators George Akume and Gabriel Suswam, Samuel Ortom, and traditional leaders such as HRM Prof. James Ayatse and HRM Dr. John Elaigwu.

Speaking at a town hall in Makurdi, Tinubu stressed the importance of inclusive governance and stakeholder engagement, urging Governor Hyacinth Alia to lead the peace efforts.

“Let us meet again in Abuja. Let’s fashion out a framework for lasting peace. I am ready to invest in that peace. I assure you, we will find peace. We will convert this tragedy into prosperity,” the President said.

The meeting also involved governors from Kwara, Imo, Kogi, Plateau, Ondo, and Nasarawa states, with a call for synergy between Benue and Nasarawa.

“We’re here to govern, not to bury. We’re here to raise families, not to lose some,” Tinubu emphasized.

The massacre, carried out by suspected armed herders, left many dead and homes destroyed. Amnesty International and local officials reported at least 100 fatalities, with some sources citing up to 200.

Tinubu directed the Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun and Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa to ensure the perpetrators are arrested swiftly.

“Police, I hope your men are on alert to listen to information. How come no arrest has been made? I expect there should be an arrest of those criminals,” he said.

He also called on intelligence agencies to improve their information gathering to prevent recurrence.

Governor Alia appealed for a federal intervention fund to aid affected communities and supported the creation of state police.

Traditional ruler Prof. Ayatse described the violence as a “genocidal invasion and land-grabbing campaign,” criticizing political actors who politicize the crisis.

The Northern Elders Forum condemned the violence as “genocide” and accused the government of complicity, while religious youth groups called for peace and justice.