Tinubu Establishes Benue Peace Committee Following Yelewata Massacre
President Bola Tinubu has inaugurated a high-powered peace committee to restore sustainable peace in Benue State following the gruesome killing of around 200 people in Yelewata, Guma Local Government Area, on Friday, June 13, 2025.
The committee, announced during a town hall meeting in Makurdi on Wednesday, includes former governors, traditional rulers, and representatives of federal agencies, with a strong mandate to develop a broad-based peace framework.
Key Members of the Benue Peace Committee
President Tinubu named the following individuals to serve on the peace committee:
Gen. Atom Kpera (retd.), former Military Governor of Benue State
Senator George Akume, current Secretary to the Government of the Federation
Senator Gabriel Suswam, former Governor
Samuel Ortom, former Governor
HRM Prof. James Ayatse, Tor Tiv and Chairman, Benue Traditional Council
HRM Dr. John Elaigwu, Ochidoma of Idomaland
Tinubu emphasized that non-indigenes living in Benue and federal stakeholders would also be incorporated to ensure inclusivity.
“Let’s meet again in Abuja and fashion out a framework for lasting peace. I assure you, we will convert this tragedy into prosperity,” the President stated.
Deadly Yelewata Attack Sparks Federal Response
The committee follows a devastating attack in Yelewata village, where suspected armed herders killed scores of residents. According to Amnesty International and local sources:
Over 100 people confirmed dead, with some reports putting the number closer to 200
Dozens remain missing, with homes razed and survivors hospitalized
Many victims were internally displaced persons (IDPs) previously forced from their homes
The President visited victims at the Benue State Teaching Hospital, Makurdi, and called for urgent blood donations.
Security Chiefs Directed to Act Swiftly
Tinubu ordered immediate action from top security and intelligence chiefs present at the meeting:
IGP Kayode Egbetokun: “Let’s get those criminals. I expect arrests immediately.”
Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa: Commended for efforts, but urged to intensify bush operations
DSS and NIA directors: Told to retool surveillance and provide actionable intelligence
“We’re here to govern, not to bury. We’re here to raise families, not to lose them,” Tinubu said.
Call for Ranching Land, State Police, and Federal Support
Tinubu tasked Governor Hyacinth Alia with allocating land for ranching as part of long-term solutions to recurring farmer-herder violence. He also urged support for peace initiatives and promised Federal Government backing.
Governor Alia, in his speech, requested:
A Special Intervention Fund for rebuilding affected communities
Federal support for rehabilitation, infrastructure, and livelihood restoration
State police as a lasting solution to insecurity
Tor Tiv: “This is Genocide, Not Farmer-Herder Clashes”
Chairman of the Benue Traditional Council, Tor Tiv Prof. James Ayatse, warned against mischaracterizing the crisis:
“It is not herder-farmer clashes. It is a genocidal invasion and land-grabbing campaign.”
He accused certain politicians of exploiting the crisis for personal gains and condemned those allegedly hoping for a state of emergency for political advantage.
Regional Leaders and Groups React
Governors of Kwara, Imo, Kogi, Plateau, Ondo, and Nasarawa attended the Makurdi meeting, supporting calls for synergy among neighbouring states.
International and local reactions include:
Northern Elders Forum
Described the killings as genocide and a sign of “systemic collapse” and political inaction.
“Benue’s socio-economic structure is being destroyed. Governance and security have collapsed,” said spokesperson Prof. Abubakar Jiddere.
Concerned Christian Youth Forum
Called for urgent intervention and youth vigilance.
“The systematic extermination of civilians has reached unimaginable levels. We demand urgent action.”
Tinubu Pledges Peace, Justice, and Prosperity
Tinubu concluded with a strong message of hope and accountability:
“We were elected under a progressive banner to ensure peace, stability, and prosperity. Not everyone will like you in politics, they hate me too, but I’m still your President. Leadership means serving even those who oppose you.”
