The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has begun consultations with stakeholders in Benue State to address the recent Yelewata attack and restore peace in the region. Akume met with the Tor Tiv, His Royal Majesty, Orchivirigh Prof. James Ayatse, and the Och’Idoma, His Royal Majesty, Agabaidu Elaigwu Odogbo Obagaji John, as part of efforts to end the senseless killings and promote lasting reconciliation.
Background
The SGF's initiative follows a directive from President Bola Tinubu, who visited Benue State last week and tasked Akume with heading a strategic peace committee. The committee aims to identify the root causes of violence in the state and chart a path toward stability.
Key Takeaways
- Akume described the recent incident as "heartbreaking" and reiterated the President's resolve to end the killings.
- The SGF appealed to traditional rulers to stay vigilant and report any breaches to the government.
- The Tor Tiv and Och’Idoma lauded the President for his physical assessment of the state and assured the Federal Government of their full support and commitment to peace efforts.
Implications
The SGF's peace initiative is a significant step toward addressing the security challenges in Benue State. The inclusion of traditional institutions in the peace process reflects the government's recognition of their crucial role in conflict resolution and peacebuilding.
What's Next?
As the peace committee begins its work, it remains to be seen how effective their efforts will be in addressing the root causes of violence in Benue State. The success of this initiative will depend on the committee's ability to engage with various stakeholders and develop a comprehensive strategy for promoting peace and stability in the region.
