“Presidency Wades into Benue Killings, Names Akume to Lead Crisis Committee”
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has taken decisive steps to address the escalating violence in Benue State by mandating the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, to head a high-powered committee to find lasting peace.
The directive was announced in a statement released Thursday by Segun Imohiosen, Director of Information and Public Relations in the Office of the SGF.
According to the statement, the committee will comprise notable Benue stakeholders, including former state governors, the Tor Tiv, the Och’Idoma, and other influential leaders. The group will soon meet with President Tinubu in Abuja to formulate actionable solutions aimed at ending the wave of killings and conflict in the state.
Akume expressed deep gratitude to the President for prioritizing Benue amid a packed national schedule. He lauded Tinubu’s recent visit to the state—particularly his direct engagement with victims and stakeholders during a town hall—as a bold and compassionate move that demonstrates his personal commitment to peace.
“The SGF commended the President’s courageous initiative to witness firsthand the incessant conflicts faced by the State and to reaffirm the government’s dedication to resolve the ongoing crises,” the statement said.
Akume pledged to fully implement the President’s directive by engaging all critical stakeholders—ranging from traditional rulers and security operatives to civil society organizations—to craft a holistic peace framework.
He emphasized that restoring long-term peace will require collaboration at all levels and assured Nigerians that his team would align its efforts with the “Renewed Hope Agenda” championed by President Tinubu.
“This is not just about halting violence,” the SGF stated. “It’s about healing, reconciliation, and building a secure future for every citizen of Benue.”
