Benue Killings: Tinubu Intervenes, Requests Land for Ranching

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has issued a strong directive aimed at ending the ongoing crisis in Yelewata, Benue State, urging Governor Hyacinth Alia to adopt an inclusive leadership approach and embrace collaboration across political and ethnic lines.

President Tinubu announced the formation of a high-powered Committee of Elders, which will include all former Governors of Benue State and the Governor of neighbouring Nasarawa State. The committee is tasked with charting a lasting peace roadmap and promoting reconciliation.

“You must be a father to all,” Tinubu told Governor Alia, emphasizing the need to transcend partisan divisions and govern with compassion and openness. “Be ready for insults. That is the yoke of leadership. Get your lantern and seek out those leaders to join you to find solutions.”

The President also called on the people of Benue to unite and support peace-building efforts. In a message to traditional rulers, Tinubu urged them to work closely with the government, saying their cooperation is vital to achieving long-term stability.

Tinubu requested the allocation of land in Benue for ranching projects, aligning with the federal government’s national livestock plan as a solution to recurring farmer-herder clashes.

“I am ready to invest in bringing peace to Benue,” President Tinubu declared, signaling the federal government’s commitment to supporting grassroots peace initiatives and rebuilding trust in the conflict-affected region.