…To comprise Tor Tiv, Och’ldoma, Atom Kpera, ex-govs, others
…Membership to be drawn from Benue, Nasarawa
From Henry Ibya, Makurdi
President Bola Tinubu has directed the setting up of a peace resolution committee with a view to ending the ongoing massacres in Benue State.
Tinubu, who gave the directive at a Town Hall meeting with Benue stakeholders, as part of his efforts to address the incessant attacks, killings, and displacements of communities in the state, pledged his commitment to invest in the peace project to ensure lasting peace in the state.
He directed governments of Benue and Nasarawa to constitute the committee to find lasting solutions to the crisis.
He listed the Tor Tiv, Prof James Ayatse, Och’Idoma Elaigwu Odogbo,.Gen Atom Kpera ,Retd, all former governors, elder statesmen, among others, to be members of the committee.
According to Tinubu, Benue people have no option than to find lasting peace and convert the tragedy into a strong economic prosperity.
“I am committed to investing in peace here in Benue and across Nigeria. Let us create a peace and development committee now, with representation from all stakeholders, including government, traditional leaders, youths, and women.
“Let us meet and design a lasting solution. I’m ready to invest in this peace project. Whatever happens, we will find peace and convert this tragedy into economic prosperity.
“We are to govern, not to bury. We are here to multiply, not to lose numbers”, he said.
The President sympathised with Benue people, especially the people of Yelewata, over the attacks and emphasised the need for unity, sincere leadership, and actionable peace strategies.
“We are here not just to mourn but to reflect deeply with you. What affects Benue affects all of us. As Nigerians, we are members of the same family, perhaps sleeping in different rooms, but living under the same roof.
“Whether you are Tiv, Idoma, Hausa, Yoruba, or Igbo, this country is our shared heritage. We must build it together. We must find solutions, not just talk about the problems.
“Let us stop seeing one another as enemies. We must stop opening doors to terror and violence. We must embrace peace with serious understanding.
“This level of terrorism and conflict must not continue. We need synergy between leaders, traditional rulers, and the youths. It is only when the people feel secured and valued that development can truly take roots”, the President said.
It would be recalled that more than 140 people were killed, scores injured and houses and properties destroyed in the June 13 attack on Yelewata.
Meanwhile, Bola Tinubu has mandated his service chiefs and the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to go after those behind the killings in Benue State, which have left many dead and injured.
Tinubu issued the directive yesterday during his visit to Benue State following the renewed attacks.
“Police, I hope your men are on alert to listen to information. How come no arrest has been made? I expected there should be arrest of those criminals by now”, Tinubu said at the Benue Government House in Makurdi, the capital, during a stakeholders meeting.
Besides, the Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, has promised to bring an end to the killings in the state.
In this vein, Egbetokun assured people in the state that the police will do everything possible to apprehend perpetrators and restore peace.
During a visit to Governor Hyacinth Alia at Government House, Makurdi, he described the recent attacks as an affront to the nation’s sovereignty and integrity.
“These mindless acts of terror are not just an attack on Benue people but an attack on the sovereignty and integrity of the country”, the IGP said.
Egbetokun also warned that the days of impunity for bandits and criminal elements are numbered, pointing out that “The criminal elements and bandits might have operated with impunity in the past, but a day is fast approaching when they will come to attack but will never return”.
Responding , Governor Alia commended the police chief for his visit, saying “We appreciate you and the entire Service Chiefs for responding to us appropriately with all the support in our fight against insurgencies in the state”.
