We’ll Work With Stakeholders To Restore Peace In Benue, Says SGF Akume

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has pledged his unwavering commitment to work with key stakeholders in Benue State to restore peace and end the cycle of violence that has plagued the state in recent years.

Akume made the promise on Thursday, following President Bola Tinubu’s official visit to Benue State in the wake of recent attack on Yelwata community of Guma local government area of the State where over 200 persons reportedly lost their lives. While in Benue on Wednesday, the President met with traditional rulers, political leaders, security chiefs, and representatives of affected communities at a town hall meeting focused on ending the ongoing conflict.

Describing the President’s visit as a bold and timely intervention, Akume, in a statement issued by the director of information in his office, Segun Imohiosen, commended Tinubu for taking the time, despite his tight schedule, to personally assess the security situation in the state.

He said the visit had reignited hope for sustainable peace and demonstrated the administration’s commitment to the welfare of the people.

“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.

The SGF revealed that, as directed by President Tinubu, a high-powered committee will be constituted to develop lasting solutions to the crisis.

The committee will include former governors of the state, the Tor Tiv, the Och’Idoma, the SGF himself, and other key stakeholders. They are expected to meet with the President in Abuja to agree on a roadmap for peace.

Senator Akume emphasised that achieving lasting peace would require collaboration between government, traditional institutions, civil society, and the people at the grassroots.

“Restoring peace is not the job of government alone. It requires honest conversations, reconciliation, and a sincere commitment from all parties involved. I will ensure that we develop comprehensive strategies to address the root causes of this violence,” he said.

The SGF assured that the peace process will align with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Tinubu administration and will focus on rebuilding trust, promoting justice, and fostering unity among all communities in the state.

President Tinubu had earlier condemned the recurring violence in Benue and called for collective responsibility in ending the killings, urging local leaders to discourage inciting rhetoric and champion reconciliation instead.

The President’s visit to Benue followed several attacks in recent months that have claimed many lives and displaced thousands, especially in rural areas.

The newly proposed committee is expected to begin consultations immediately and submit a framework for action in the coming weeks.