…Tasks Gov. Alia to act as father to all, secure land for ranching, and engage traditional rulers for peace
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the immediate inclusion of all former governors of Benue State, as well as the current Governor of Nasarawa State, Abdullahi Sule, in the newly constituted Benue Committee of Elders, aimed at restoring peace and unity in the crisis-hit state.
The directive was disclosed on Wednesday by Sunday Dare, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, via a post on his X (formerly Twitter) account. Dare was part of the recent Presidential delegation that visited communities affected by the latest wave of violence in Benue.
According to Dare, President Tinubu emphasized the importance of inclusivity in the peace-building process and tasked Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State to work closely with all political and traditional stakeholders, regardless of party affiliation or ethnic background.
“The President urged Governor Alia to act as a father to all in Benue, ensuring that unity, not division, defines the way forward,” Dare stated.
Over 200 Killed in Yelewata Attack
The directive follows the recent tragic massacre in Yelewata village, which claimed over 200 lives, left dozens wounded, and displaced hundreds of residents, further worsening the humanitarian situation in parts of Benue.
President Tinubu, who has condemned the killings in strong terms, stressed the urgent need for a multi-stakeholder approach to finding lasting peace in the state.
Traditional Rulers and Ranching to Be Key to Stability
Beyond the Committee of Elders, Tinubu also called on traditional rulers to collaborate more closely with the government to ensure peace and stability in their communities.
He further instructed Governor Alia to allocate land for ranching, describing it as a strategic solution to the persistent farmer-herder clashes believed to be one of the root causes of the recurring violence in Benue and its environs.
Expanded Committee to Serve as Peace Engine Room
With the inclusion of all former Benue governors and Governor Sule of Nasarawa State, the expanded Elders’ Committee is expected to serve as an advisory and mediatory body, helping to drive reconciliation efforts and rebuild trust among aggrieved communities.
Presidency sources say the initiative is part of President Tinubu’s broader strategy to tackle insecurity at the grassroots by empowering local leadership, strengthening inter-state collaboration, and fostering inclusive dialogue.
The Committee is expected to begin work immediately, interfacing with both the state and federal governments to chart a new path toward peace and lasting development in Benue.
