The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, conveyed a message of unity and assured the nation that political leaders across party lines in Benue State are firmly behind President Bola Tinubu’s administration, especially in its efforts to quell insecurity within the state and across Nigeria. This declaration was made during a solidarity visit by a multi-partisan delegation of leaders from Benue State’s Kwande/Ushongo local government areas to Akume’s Abuja residence. The visit served as a powerful symbol of the shared commitment to peace and security in a region often troubled by violent conflicts.
Akume painted a picture of improving security conditions in the country, asserting that significant progress has been made since President Tinubu assumed office in May 2023. While acknowledging the persistent challenges, he highlighted the government’s proactive approach and visible results in tackling insecurity. This optimistic outlook comes just weeks after a series of devastating attacks in the border community of Yelewata, which displaced thousands and reignited concerns about the safety and well-being of residents, particularly in vulnerable rural farming communities.
President Tinubu’s swift response to the Yelewata attacks, which included a personal visit to Benue State to assess the situation and engage with local leaders, underscored his commitment to addressing the crisis. The President’s decision to prioritize Benue over a scheduled visit to Kaduna further emphasized the gravity of the situation and the urgency of finding lasting solutions. The subsequent announcement of a peace panel to investigate the root causes of the conflict and propose solutions marked a crucial step towards resolving the long-standing issues fueling the violence.
Akume revealed that he had already submitted recommendations to the President regarding the composition of the peace panel, emphasizing the inclusive nature of the process and the expected involvement of the Benue State Governor. Beyond the immediate response to the Yelewata crisis, Akume commended President Tinubu’s broader strategy of engaging directly with citizens through interactive sessions in various parts of the country. These sessions aim to foster dialogue between the government and the people, allowing for a more participatory approach to governance and addressing the concerns of the citizenry.
Akume’s address further detailed concrete actions taken by the federal government to address the security challenges in Benue State. This included the deployment of additional security personnel to the region and the provision of financial assistance, exemplified by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu’s visit and a substantial donation of N1 billion. He also highlighted ongoing investments in infrastructure, such as the reconstruction of the Makurdi–Yandev–Katsina-Ala road and the ongoing work on the Makurdi–Aliade–Otukpo road, underscoring the government’s multifaceted approach to fostering stability and development in the region. Akume stressed the importance of collective responsibility in tackling insecurity, urging all citizens to support the security forces and play an active role in maintaining peace.
The multi-partisan nature of the delegation further solidified the message of unity and collaboration. Terseer Ugbor, a member of the House of Representatives representing Kwande/Ushongo Federal Constituency, emphasized the diverse representation within the delegation, which included members from the APC, PDP, Labour Party, African Democratic Congress, and other parties. This diverse coalition signaled a united front committed to working with the SGF and the Tinubu administration to address the challenges facing Benue State. Ugbor reported notable improvements in the security situation in Kwande, one of the areas most affected by the violence, attributing the positive changes to the government’s efforts. He reiterated the collective commitment of Benue’s leaders and citizens to permanently eradicate insecurity and restore peace to the agrarian state, highlighting the critical link between security and food security for the predominantly farming population. The unified stance taken by the delegation underscored the shared determination to overcome the challenges and build a more secure and prosperous future for Benue State.
