Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, yesterday initiated consultative discussions with the paramount rulers of Benue’s two major ethnic groups, the Tiv and Idoma, following President Bola Tinubu’s directive for the constitution of a committee to dialogue with him in Abuja, aiming to halt the ongoing violence and killings of innocent civilians in the state, allegedly perpetrated by armed herdsmen.
SGF Akume met with the Tor Tiv, who doubles as Chairman of Benue State Council of Chiefs, HRM. Professor James Ayatse, and the Och’Idoma, HRM. John Elaigwu Odogbo, and Benue Elders.
President Bola Tinubu during his one day visit to Makurdi, the Benue capital directed Governor Hyacinth Alia to immediately form an inclusive peace committee to help restore calm following the massacre in Yelewata community, where over 200 people were killed.
The committee is expected to include former governors, traditional rulers, religious leaders, federal officials, and non-indigenes living in the state.
President at the meeting with stakeholders also directed security chiefs to implement his earlier orders to arrest perpetrators and restore security in the food basket state.
SGF Akume had thanked President Tinubu’s formation of the peace committee by expressing deep appreciation and saluting the President’s courageous and timely visit to Benue State.
The SGF pledged to lead and coordinate the peace-building efforts, working closely with all key stakeholders.
