President Bola Tinubu has told Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State that he was elected to lead and bring development, not to conduct burials. Tinubu said this during a visit to Makurdi, the Benue State capital, where he met with state leaders, community elders, and political figures to discuss lasting peace and the future of the region.
The President, while speaking at the Government House on Wednesday, made it clear that Governor Alia must work harder to restore order and calm across the state. Tinubu noted that the rising number of violent attacks and tragic deaths must stop if Benue is to grow and prosper. He also urged the governor to form a peace committee to tackle issues affecting communities and find long-term solutions.
“Let us meet again in Abuja. Let’s fashion out a framework for lasting peace. I am ready to invest in that peace. I assure you, we will find peace. We will convert this tragedy into prosperity,” Tinubu said.
The meeting had in attendance top officials, including Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, former governors, and traditional rulers. Governors from six other states—Kwara, Imo, Kogi, Plateau, Ondo, and Nasarawa—were also present.
President Tinubu also asked Governor Alia to make land available for ranching, as a way to ease tension between herders and farmers. He directed the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security to follow up on this matter. He further called on Nigerians to donate blood for victims receiving treatment at the Benue State Teaching Hospital, which he had visited earlier.
Tinubu, clearly moved by the tragic state of affairs, stated, “I wanted to come here to commission projects, to reassure you of hope and prosperity, not to see gloomy faces. But peace is vital to development.
“The value of human life is greater than that of a cow. We were elected to govern, not to bury people.”
He told Alia that working with the Federal Government would be key to building a peaceful and progressive state. “Governor Alia, you were elected under the progressive banner to ensure peace, stability, and progress. You are not elected to bury people or comfort widows and orphans. We will work with you to achieve that peace. You must also work with us.”
In his response, Governor Alia asked the Federal Government to create a special fund to help communities affected by ongoing attacks. He said the fund would help rebuild homes, restore farms, and provide support for people who have been displaced.
“Your Excellency, while we continue to mourn our losses and rebuild from the ashes of pain, we humbly urge the Federal Government to consider establishing a special intervention fund for communities affected by these incessant attacks in Benue State,” he said.
Alia also repeated his support for setting up state police as a more lasting approach to stopping insecurity. He promised to give his full efforts to ensure a safe and growing Benue State.
