AKUME VOWS TO RESTORE PEACE IN BENUE

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has pledged his unwavering commitment to collaborate with key stakeholders across Benue State to end the cycle of violence that has claimed countless lives and displaced many over the years.
Akume made this promise on Thursday, June 19th a day after President Bola Tinubu led a high-profile delegation to the state in the aftermath of a brutal attack on Yelwata community in Guma Local Government Area. The attack left more than 200 people dead, deepening the humanitarian crisis and intensifying tensions in an already volatile region.
During the President’s visit, Tinubu met with traditional rulers, political leaders, security chiefs, and representatives from affected communities at a town hall-style gathering aimed at finding lasting solutions to the crisis. The SGF lauded the President for making the trip despite his packed schedule, describing it as a bold and timely intervention that reassured the people of Benue and rekindled their hope for peace.
“The President’s courageous initiative to come here himself shows leadership and empathy. I am personally grateful, and I will follow through on his directive to form a peace committee of stakeholders,” Akume said.
He announced that, as directed by the President, a high-powered committee would be established to develop a concrete roadmap for peace in the state. The team will comprise former governors, the Tor Tiv, the Och’Idoma, the SGF, and other critical stakeholders. The group is expected to meet with the President in Abuja in the coming weeks to agree on actionable steps towards restoring calm and fostering long-term peace.
“Restoring peace is not the job of government alone. It requires honest conversations, reconciliation, and a sincere commitment from traditional institutions, civil society, and the people at the grassroots. Together, we can build a comprehensive strategy that addresses the root causes of this violence,” Akume stated.
The SGF further emphasized that the peace process will be aligned with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, focusing on rebuilding trust, promoting justice, and fostering unity across all communities in the state.
President Tinubu, during his visit, condemned the recurring violence in Benue and called for collective action to halt the killings. He urged local leaders to discourage inciteful rhetoric and work towards a climate of dialogue and understanding.
The crisis in Benue has claimed hundreds of lives and forced tens of thousands of people from their homes in recent years. The new peace committee is expected to begin its consultations immediately and submit a comprehensive framework for ending the crisis within the coming weeks.