The First Lady of Nigeria, Sen Oluremi Tinubu, has made a cash donation of one billion Naira to cushion the effects of the hardships experienced by the survivors of the recent Yelwata Massacre who took refuge at the Makurdi International Market.
Sen Tinubu, who made the cash donation alongside food and non-food relief materials during a condolence visit to sympathise with the Government and people of the State over the massacre of 200 people in Makurdi, the State capital, called for unity and solidarity among the people to combat the senseless killings that have continued to occur despite spirited efforts.
The First Lady, who called for an immediate end to the insecurity in the State, pledged to continue supporting those in need, particularly children, girls, and persons with disabilities.
“I also want to emphasise the importance of peace and dialogue in addressing the violence that has affected the state for over a decade because development can not thrive in the atmosphere of chaos”
According to her, “what is most worrisome is that many people are living in conditions so harsh that they can only be described as hellish. And yet, these people are human beings like us”
She said, When faith is lost, when family bonds are broken, when life no longer carries the hope it once did, everything changes. Every society must decide what it will serve because no nation can serve two masters. There must be a choice between what builds and what destroys, between people and the structures that either uplift or oppress them.”
“We speak of teaching lessons about peace, love, and how to live with one another. These are not abstract ideals. They are necessities. Dialogue and patience remain the best solutions wherever conflict exists, but often, we hesitate. We ask ourselves, Why do I need to act? Why do I need to speak? And so doors remain closed. Teachers go unheard. People are left without guidance on how to move forward
Today, I decided to come because I feel that much of the light has dimmed. The weight of silence is heavy, but conversations like this bring hope.
Nigeria is a nation of deep complexity. Ethnicity, religion, and culture all have their places, but they must not become walls between us. They should instead be bridges of understanding.
And now, we are in a time in a world where we must decide what we are preparing for. Will it be a future shaped by division, or one built on compassion, dialogue, and shared humanity? The First Lady asked.
In a remark, the Paramount ruler of the Tiv Nation Orchivirigh Prof. James Ayatse said the presence of the First Lady reflects not only her strategic support as a former Senator of the Federal Republic but also her motherly and compassionate response to moments of distress in our nation, adding that, “your initiatives in health, social investment, agriculture, care for orphans, IDPs, persons living with disabilities, and the elderly will not gone unnoticed.”
According to the Monarch, “the barriers we once faced are giving way. We are determined not to let terrorists define our destiny. We have confronted major enemies and made progress, though the scars and memories of destruction remain with us, it looks like we will achieve our goals, and with that, we will see the gains we have long hoped for”
He said, “Nigeria has been plagued by discontent for many years. I have lived here all my life, and I know this much: if we keep playing with this weakness, it will grow, and if it grows unchecked, it will destroy us.
“If our leaders do not decisively confront terrorism and malice, and instead keep playing politics with it, trying to be politically correct”, for the sake of convenience, Nigeria will be in grave danger. The time to act is now.”
“We are aware of the over 70,000 posts you facilitated through the Ministry of Education for distribution to primary schools. We are equally aware of over 270 support programs for economic empowerment. You have already done so much for us in this state, and we believe your presence today will not only inspire you to do more but also create a deeper connection to our plight as you hear the stories of consistent and protracted attacks on our people by terrorists and armed groups”
The Tor Tiv also lamented, “The violent attackers responsible for the frequent killings and displacements in Tiv people come from neighbouring Nasarawa State, only to return after carrying out their massacre”
Your Excellency, “This is a national tragedy. Even the governor of Nasarawa State has publicly raised alarm about the influx of terrorists, showing his awareness of the threat and his willingness to confront it. Yet, federal security agencies have not matched that urgency in addressing the crisis here.
“I am appealing to the First Lady to convey the people’s anguish and plead for justice to President Bola Tinubu. I stress that peace in Benue cannot be achieved until the sources of these attacks are addressed through decisive federal intervention. It is my prayer that this land becomes one of reunions and grace. I would like to express our deep gratitude to you for making time to visit us.”
Earlier, the Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia said the presence of the First Lady in a time when the State is grieving over the recurring, senseless killings of the people, speaks volumes of her motherly heart, compassion and commitment to national solidarity, adding that Benue State is overwhelmed by your thoughtfulness, kindness and generosity.”
The Governor appealed to Sen Tinubu to consider championing the process of encouraging the domestication of the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law across all North Central states. A regional approach to ranching and the prohibition of open grazing is necessary to ensure consistency in enforcement and eliminate safe havens for violators moving across state boundaries.
According to him, “At the moment, Benue State hosts over 1.5 million Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) spread across official camps and host communities. The recent attacks have led to the emergence of new IDP camps at the International Market, Makurdi, where over 3,160 persons, mainly women and children, as well as at NKST Primary School, Naka, where 18,592 persons are camped seeking refuge under dire conditions. These are families who have lost their homes, farmlands, livelihoods and loved ones to violent invasions”
“Governor Alia lamented that, while attention is given to Yelewata, the displacement incident in Naka has created a much bigger humanitarian crisis that needs global attention and support. I urge the Minister of Humanitarian and other well-spirited individuals and organisations to visit Naka and lend a hand of support, as we cannot do this alone as a State”
The Governor commended the First Lady for the donation to 20 women farmers in Benue State, a Financial and medical outreach package for the elderly during the Christmas season. ₦50,000 recapitalisation grants to 1,000 petty traders.
A full truck of assorted food items and another of rice for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), orphanage homes, widows and persons living with disabilities, among others.
