Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has commenced the implementation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive to set up a Peace Committee aimed at addressing insecurity in Benue State.
In a move to kickstart the process, Akume paid consultation visits to the state’s two paramount traditional rulers—Tor Tiv, HRM Prof. James Ortese Ayatse, and Och’Idoma, HRM Dr. John Elaigwu Odogbo—in Makurdi and Otukpo respectively.
These visits are part of the efforts to develop a framework for the Peace Committee, which was directed by President Tinubu during his condolence and solidarity visit to Benue State following the deadly terrorist attack on Yelewata, where over 200 people were killed.
Senator Akume announced the inclusion of the traditional rulers in the upcoming Peace Committee, stressing the importance of forming a united front to end the ongoing violence and restore peace. He emphasized that the absence of peace threatens Benue’s position as Nigeria’s agricultural powerhouse and a key player in the national food security agenda.
The SGF thanked the royal fathers for their warm reception of President Tinubu during his visit and urged them to strengthen the role of traditional institutions in maintaining grassroots security across the state.
Both the Tor Tiv and Och’Idoma expressed deep appreciation for the President’s support and pledged full cooperation with the proposed Peace Committee to bring lasting peace to Benue.
Accompanying the SGF were several key political and community leaders including Benue APC Chairman Hon. Austin Agbada, Senator Jack Tilley-Gyado, Chief Akange Audu, Pharm. Patrick Ahenjir, Hon. Becky Orpin, Pastor Terwase Orbunde, Prof. John Enyi, AVM (Rtd.) Morgan, Hon. Philip Agbese, and Chief Mike Msuaan.
Other members of the delegation included Major-General Harrison Adoga, Comrade Abba Yaro, Dr. Philip Eche, Prince Simon Aóndona, Dr. Kaalu Akerkper, Hon. Tony Sende, Barr. Maureen Teryila Agbo, and Hon. Benji Penda.
