There has been a flurry of activities since the visit of President Bola Tinubu to Benue State on June 2025. A visit necessitated by the killing of hundreds of villagers by herders and armed militias. It was a tipping point that awakened the government to be more decisive in ending the decades of security threats in the state.
Before his departure, President Tinubu set three assignments for the government and people of Benue State. First is to have an inclusive peace committee involving all stakeholders irrespective of political, social, and economic linkages to come up with a workable blueprint for enduring peace in the state. The second is for security agencies to arrest and prosecute those involved and their sponsors, while the third is specifically on the establishment of ranches as permanent solution to the crisis with herders. The achievement of these will no doubt lead to more significant investments in the peace initiative to ensure that lasting stability returns to the state.
So far, the relevant stakeholders have taken the President’s directive very seriously. First was the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, who visited the Tor Tiv James Ortese Ayatse, and the Och’Idoma, John Elaigwu Odogbo, at their palaces in Makurdi and Otukpo, respectively in a bid to implement President Tinubu’s directive for the establishment of a Peace Committee to tackle insecurity in the state.
He said the consultations were aimed at fine-tuning modalities for the speedy implementation of the president’s directive, emphasising the need for swift consensus-building toward an inclusive and effective committee capable of restoring peace and stability to the state
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, also has held several high-level peace advocacy the first been with all serving and retired military men from the Benue extract, another with stakeholders in Benue and another meeting with traditional rulers in the state, including the Tor Tiv, Professor James Ortese Ayatse, and the Och’Idoma, John Odogbo, where he emphasized that although the federal government and military leadership are committed to resolving the security challenges confronting Benue State and returning displaced communities home, the inherent challenges will only be addressed through the cooperation of all.
“We have a challenge in Benue State, and I believe working together, we will find a solution. When we sit down and talk sincerely, bringing out all that is affecting us, we’ll be able to find the solution,” the CDS said.
It is an open secret that that certain individuals, both internal and external, are fueling the crisis for political or economic gains, and to arrest this, the CDS said the military would go after those in possession arms illegally regardless of their identity or affiliation. “Anybody bearing arms illegally will be arrested. If he threatens security forces, he will be neutralized. That is the mandate. We are committed to ending the era where crimes go unpunished. There will be no sacred persons. Anyone involved in violence must face justice,” he said.
Even the Tor Tiv acknowledged the concerns raised by the CDS, saying “our people also have some roles in the conflict, including cattle rustling. We are taking responsibility and working to bring our people under control to prevent further clashes”.
Adding to Tor Tiv’s observation, the Och’Idoma stressed the need to differentiate between peaceful herder residents and armed ones responsible for the violence. “We are not saying all Fulani should leave. The known, peaceful ones have been with us for years. We are asking only those carrying arms and causing terror, killing, raping, and destroying our farms to leave.”
The Police has also responded swiftly after the president queried why no one was arrested during the latest crisis in Yelwata. A few days after the query, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, told newsmen that 26 suspects were arrested for the attack in Yelwata, Guma Local Government Area, and will be prosecuted after investigation.
There has also been a massive joint security operation comprising the military, police, and other agencies across Yelwata and surrounding communities to prevent further violence and restore peace.
At the heart of all these efforts are the people displaced, injured, and now trying to make meaning out of their lives and start afresh. To them, the CDS said Yelwata is now secured with additional forces deployed and preparations being made to facilitate their immediate return to their communities. He also touched on the issue of Cameroonian refugees residing in parts of the state, some of whom have reportedly contributed to local tensions. Efforts, he noted, are ongoing to facilitate their return as well.
“The true measure of our success is when IDPs leave the camps and return home. That is our goal, and we are working hard to achieve it,” General Musa said.
Both Chambers of the National Assembly have passed resolutions on the Benue crisis, calling for the deployment of more security personnel, setting up of permanent military base in Yelwata area, and immediate support for displaced persons.
In all these, Governor Hyacinth Alia has been leading from the front, supporting the security forces, coordinating peace efforts, and collaborating to develop a framework for achieving lasting peace in the state.
“We deeply appreciate your commitment to addressing the security challenges we face, particularly your directive to the Chief of Defence Staff and the Inspector General of Police,” Governor Alia had told the President.
The welfare and well-being of the survivors in hospitals and in the IDPs’camp has gotten tremendous support from the State ,Federal, International , Humanitarian and Individuals, influenced greatly and supported by the aftermath of the President’s visit.
As the search for peace and the permanent return of the displaced person in Benue continues, the collective efforts being demonstrated by all stakeholders will certainly defeat the forces of violence, and restore the shared commitment to the well-being of all law abiding residents irrespective of tribe, religion, political or any other affiliation.
– Tikyaa is the principal special assistant to the governor on media, publicity and communication strategy
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