June 17, (THEWILL) – Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has described President Bola Tinubu as a leader committed to the peace, unity, and stability of Nigeria.
Speaking on Tuesday while addressing displaced victims of recent attacks in Yelewata, currently taking refuge at the Ultra-Modern International Market in Makurdi, Akume condemned the scale of violence in Benue State and assured that the President was deeply concerned about the situation.
Akume disclosed that President Tinubu would visit Benue on Wednesday to sympathise with the people and take steps to directly address the security crisis in the state.
“The President is not silent; he is deeply pained by the killings and is determined to restore peace to Benue and all affected regions,” Akume said.
He also confirmed that Governor Hyacinth Alia had agreed to convene a stakeholders’ meeting to find lasting solutions to the security challenges. He urged all parties to cooperate in the interest of peace.
Former Minister of Agriculture, Chief Audu Ogbeh, also addressed the gathering, describing President Tinubu as a peace-loving leader who will bring an end to the killings across Nigeria, particularly in Benue.
Ogbeh expressed anger over the violence, declaring that “the killers of Yelewata residents will not know peace a hundred times.” He appealed for calm, assuring that the government was taking steps to curb the violence.
In his remarks, Senator Titus Zam (Benue North East) encouraged the victims not to lose hope despite their ordeal. He reaffirmed that both President Tinubu and SGF Akume were committed to ending insecurity and ensuring safety for all Nigerians.
Second Republic Senator, Jacob Gyado, described the recent killings as unprecedented in Benue’s history and lamented the delayed response from the Presidency.
He explained that security matters in a state are initially handled by the governor, who only escalates them to the federal level if necessary. He also pledged his unwavering support for Akume.
Community leader, Chief Akange Audu, commended the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) for its swift response to the humanitarian crisis, and urged other stakeholders to come to the aid of the displaced victims.
In a gesture of support, NEMA distributed relief materials including mattresses, cartons of Indomie noodles, bags of rice, and salt. A total of N26 million was also raised for the upkeep of the victims.
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