In a move to end the violence that has cost many lives and destroyed homes across several communities, President Bola Tinubu will on Wednesday (today) hold a meeting with the stakeholders in Benue State and listen to their concerns firsthand.
Over 200 people were reportedly killed within a few hours, including children and women, at Yelewata, Guma LGA on Friday night. The killers reportedly used sophisticated weapons and fuel to set houses ablaze.
Outraged by the bloodshed, the State House of Assembly, in a resolution on Tuesday, asserted that Governor Hyacinth Alia, his deputy Sam Ode, and all the 32 lawmakers had let the people down.
This is just as the opposition Peoples Democratic Party and the Coalition of United Political Parties called on President Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in the state.
The African Democratic Party and the New Nigeria Peoples Party accused the President of prioritising politics over people’s lives, urging him to urgently reform the nation’s security system to protect citizens more effectively.
Also, the United Nations firmly condemned the recent attacks and called for a comprehensive investigation into the incidents.
Responding through the state Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mathew Abo, the governor stated that his administration fully supported the security agencies, insisting that he had not neglected his duty to protect the people.
Attacks by unidentified gunmen in the state have resulted in the tragic loss of lives and mass displacement over the years, sparking widespread outrage and concerns.
In response to the latest killings, the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Christopher Musa, and the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, visited Makurdi and Yelewata on Monday to lead a coordinated security operation aimed at tracking down the perpetrators.
In a statement on Monday, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Tinubu on Information and Strategy, disclosed that the President was scheduled to meet with key stakeholders in Benue State today.
“The President’s visit aims to assess firsthand the recurring crisis that has claimed numerous lives and caused significant destruction,” Onanuga stated.
During his stay, Tinubu will meet with all stakeholders, including traditional rulers, political, religious, community leaders, and youth groups, to seek lasting solutions to the hostilities.
“In preparation for the visit, President Tinubu has already dispatched the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the Inspector General of Police, heads of intelligence agencies, the National Security Adviser, and the Chairmen of the Senate and House Defence Committees to Benue State.
“The President is expected to hold a town hall meeting with all stakeholders during the visit,” the statement read.
Tinubu had condemned the ongoing violence in Benue State and called on all leaders and residents to embrace peace, love, and mutual understanding.
Ahead of the President’s visit, the Secretary to the GF, Senator George Akume, convened a consultative meeting with stakeholders.
The President’s Special Adviser on Public Communication and Orientation, Sunday Dare, who revealed this via his verified X account on Tuesday, disclosed that retired generals, serving and retired politicians, participated in the meeting.
He stated,” Presently in Yelwata village, one of the villages attacked recently in Benue ahead of the visit of President Bola Tinubu tomorrow. The people gathered dejectedly to hear from their leaders & lawmakers from Abuja. The conversation and consultation were led by the SGF, George Akume
“League of Retired Generals from Benue State, 18 months ago, handed a Security Brief to Governor Hyacinth Alia. This is the time to dust up that document as President Tinubu charges all stakeholders in Benue to find a lasting solution to the incessant farmers-herders clash.
“Makurdi, Benue State, is gradually filling up ahead of President Bola Tinubu’s Wednesday visit. Retired Generals, Serving and Retired Politicians, former and Serving Ministers, serving and former federal lawmakers, notables, community leaders, businessmen of Benue origin, academics, civil society leaders, youth leaders, APC leaders and other party leaders are on ground, political appointees also.
“This time, a renewed commitment to stopping the bloodletting and finding a lasting solution seems on hand. They have come around because they also believe that President Tinubu will engage and ensure that peace returns.”
