President Bola Tinubu is scheduled to visit Benue State today as part of renewed efforts to foster peace and address the persistent conflicts affecting communities in the state, which resulted in the killing of over 200 persons by armed herdsmen last weekend.
This came on a day Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, confirmed that armed herders were responsible for the killings, even as the Sultan of Sokoto, Mohammed Sa’ad Abubakar III, and the leadership of the Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN) sought an end to the killings in the state, saying “enough is enough.”
Also, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, who condemned the killings, said the attackers are motivated by economic interest rather than religion. The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) also urged the Federal Government to prosecute those responsible, insisting that justice is necessary to end the constant slaughter in the state.
A statement by Presidential Spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, explained that the President’s visit is to assess, first hand, the recurring crises that have claimed numerous lives and caused significant destruction.
“During his stay, President Tinubu will meet with all stakeholders, including traditional rulers, political, religious, and community leaders, as well as youth groups—to seek lasting solutions to the hostilities,” the statement said.
In preparation for the visit, President Tinubu has already dispatched the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the Inspector-General of Police, heads of intelligence agencies, the National Security Adviser, and Chairmen of the Senate and House Defence Committees to Benue State. He is also expected to hold a town hall meeting with all stakeholders during the visit.
President Tinubu had, hours after the killings, condemned the ongoing violence in Benue State and called on all leaders and residents to embrace peace, love, and mutual understanding. He extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and all those who have suffered losses as a result of the crisis.
According to his itinerary released over the weekend, President Tinubu was initially scheduled to visit Kaduna State today to commission various state government projects. However, that trip has now been shifted to Thursday to accommodate the visit to Benue.