President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the formation of a leadership committee in Benue State as part of efforts to restore peace and transform recent tragedies into opportunities for economic development.
The committee is tasked with facilitating peacebuilding initiatives and stabilising the affected areas, particularly in the wake of the recent attack on the Yelewata community in Guma Local Government Area, where over 200 people were reportedly killed by suspected armed herders.
President Tinubu reaffirmed the Nigerian government’s commitment to resolving the ongoing clashes between farmers and herders in the North Central region, stressing that tackling the underlying causes of the conflict is a top priority for his administration.
President Tinubu attends the Townhall Meeting on Yelewata Community at the Benue State Government House. The town hall consisted of traditional rulers, political, religious, community leaders, and youth groups who are invested in finding lasting solutions to the hostilities in… pic.twitter.com/96FnsLoQnm
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The Nigerian leader also directed the Minister of Livestock, Idi Muktar, to collaborate with the Benue State government on setting up a ranch in the state, aiming to provide a lasting solution to the conflicts between farmers and herders.
The President issued the directives on Wednesday in Makurdi, Benue State, during a town hall meeting with stakeholders on Benue hostilities.
President Tinubu, who instructed Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia on the inclusion of traditional leaders, the Tor Tiv and the Ochi Idoma, in the establishment of the committee, tasked top officials and leaders in the state to create synergy for peace and prosperity.
“For us in Nigeria, we have to find a solution to the main source of the conflict. If we learn how to share and how to accommodate, we have enough land to raise our children, we have enough land to cultivate, and we must do it.
Assuring his readiness to fully invest in the restoration of peace in Benue State, the president underscored the place of leadership in ensuring lasting peace, affirming that tolerance of leaders is crucial to the peaceful coexistence of the citizens.
He tasked Governor Alia with enhanced citizens’ and government relations, urging him to partner more with community leaders to achieve his mandates.
“Let us find a way to form a committee of elders. The committee will comprise those who have governed the state before, and the committee will find permanent accommodation.
“The Minister of Livestock is here. We will establish a ranch in Benue and give me land.
“We can shake off the backwardness, yes, we can, but the key to this is that we let ourselves look at our anthem again. A key anthem in it is that we want to hand over a banner without stain, so we must work towards that. I am ready to work with you towards that. You cannot give us what we need, such as food sovereignty, if you continue in this way.
“So work hard, move around the corners of your enemies in your ability, and the divine mandate is to work hard as you pray.
“People of Benue deserve peace, the peace that the Tor Tiv mentioned.
“Let us fight our enemies together and not fight ourselves, I assure you, and I will partner with the Benue government to turn the tragedy into economic opportunities; we can turn this economic tragedy,” President Tinubu assured.
President Tinubu urged Benue citizens to rally behind Governor Alia’s leadership during this critical period, emphasising that the current critical juncture demands their unwavering support and unity behind the leadership of the state governor.
He stressed that cooperation and solidarity are essential to overcoming challenges and advancing peace and development in the region.
“The value of human life is greater than that of a cow. Political enemies don’t want you to succeed. I just want to appeal to Benue people; it is a critical time, and the government needs your help. Let us set up a committee of non-indigenes,” President Tinubu added.