By Nkechi Eze
In a renewed push to end the cycle of violence in Benue State, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, CON, has held a crucial peace-building meeting with the state’s foremost traditional rulers, the Tor Tiv, His Royal Majesty Orchivirigh Prof. James Ayatse, and the Och’Idoma, His Royal Majesty Agabaidu Elaigwu Odogbo Obagaji John.
Director Information and public relations OSGF Segun Imohiosen in an official signed statement disclosed that the high-level engagement, which took place in Benue, is in response to a directive from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who recently visited the state and ordered the immediate constitution of a strategic peace committee. The committee, to be led by the SGF, is expected to identify and address the root causes of the persistent attacks and foster sustainable reconciliation and security across affected communities.
Senator Akume described the repeated violence in the state as both heartbreaking and unacceptable, reaffirming the President’s commitment to ending the bloodshed in Nigeria’s food basket. He stressed the need for grassroots vigilance, urging traditional leaders and their subjects to remain alert and promptly report any suspicious movements or threats to public safety.
“The President will never disappoint you. We want to appeal to you to continue to stay vigilant so that miscreants do not infiltrate the communities. Whenever you observe a breach, do not hesitate to inform us,” Akume stated.
He emphasized that the involvement of the Tor Tiv and Och’Idoma in the peace initiative underscores the Tinubu administration’s respect for the authority and influence of traditional institutions in resolving conflicts, promoting dialogue, and healing fractured communities.
In separate remarks, the two monarchs expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for his physical presence and first-hand assessment of the security situation in the state. They pledged their unwavering support to the Federal Government’s peace drive and called on all Benue communities to embrace reconciliation, urging them to cooperate fully with the incoming peace committee.
The committee, under the leadership of the SGF, has since commenced consultations with key stakeholders and is expected to recommend practical and immediate solutions to end hostilities and restore long-term peace to Benue State.
The development marks a significant step in the federal government’s broader efforts to bring lasting peace to conflict-prone regions through inclusive engagement and community-driven solutions.
