President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has instructed service chiefs to enhance intelligence gathering and promptly arrest those responsible for the recent killings in Yelewata Community, in Benue State, North Central Nigeria.
He also proposed the creation of a peace resolution committee comprising elders and traditional leaders to tackle ongoing conflicts.
President Tinubu praised security forces for their efforts in maintaining peace and emphasised the importance to place human lives over those of animals.
He encouraged Benue residents to view the tragic incident as an opportunity for economic growth, stressing the need for lasting peace to achieve food sovereignty.
The president promised to invest heavily in peace efforts and collaborate with Governor Hyacinth Alia to develop infrastructure in Benue State.
Governor Hyacinth Alia, in turn, called for a Special Intervention Fund for victims and advocated for establishing a State Police to address ongoing conflicts.
Fair treatment
The Paramount ruler of Tivland and Chairman, Benue State Council of Chiefs, Professor James Ayatse, commended President Tinubu for appointing Benue natives to key government positions and urged for fair treatment of the Benue ethnic groups for the sacrifices made during the Civil War to keep the nation together.
He highlighted the sacrifices made by Benue residents for national unity and called for their recognition and protection.
He appealed to the President to look into the dispossession of lands belonging to the Tic ethnic group in Nasarawa state who are being discriminated and regardless as non indigenes.
Lateefah Ibrahim