President Bola Tinubu has unveiled plans to form a special peace committee to address the ongoing conflict in Benue State, following a deadly attack in the Yelwata community that reportedly led to the deaths of over 200 people.
During a stakeholder meeting held at the Government House Banquet Hall in Makurdi on Wednesday, Tinubu said the peace panel would include top traditional rulers such as the Tor Tiv, Professor James Ayatse, and the Och’Idoma. The committee will also involve other community and political leaders.
“I will want us to create this leadership committee now and then we meet in Abuja to really fashion out the nucleus for a lasting peace, and I’m ready to invest in that peace,” the President said at the gathering.
“And I want the traditional rulers, Tor Tiv and Ochidoma to be included in this peace committee. I think by now you will be bored of hearing my voice, but I give you the assurance, we will find peace, we will convert this tragedy to prosperity.”
Earlier in the day, Tinubu visited some of the victims of the attack who are receiving treatment at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital. He showed deep concern over the high number of casualties and questioned why no suspects had been taken into custody so far.
He openly questioned the efforts of security officials and warned that action must be taken quickly to bring those responsible to justice. “Police, I hope your men are on alert to listen to information. How come no arrest has been made? I expect there should be an arrest of those criminals,” he said.
He also directly addressed top security figures including the Chief of Defence Staff and heads of intelligence agencies, asking them to step up their efforts. “Christopher (the Chief of Defence Staff), you have given much. I watch your comments, you can’t be tired of staying in the bush. Oloyede and the Air Marshal, we thank all of you, but we need to keep our ears to the ground, let’s get those criminals, let’s get them out. DG NIA, DG SSS, retool your information channels, and let’s have tangible intelligence so that this will not occur again,” he said.
