By Emamuzo Iboma
Secretary to the Government of the Federation and former governor of Benue State, Senator George Akume, has condemned the recent killings in Yelewata and other affected communities, describing them as “senseless acts of violence” and “a direct challenge to the peace and stability of our nation.”
He stated that the Federal Government, under President Tinubu’s leadership, has strongly denounced the brutal killings in Benue and the North East, calling them an affront to human dignity and a serious threat to national peace.
Akume described the attacks, particularly the loss of innocent lives, as a tragedy that demands collective mourning and urgent action. He extended heartfelt condolences to the victims’ families and stressed the need for swift, coordinated efforts to curb violence and restore peace in the region.
He praised President Tinubu’s decisive response, including the dispatch of a high-level delegation and the announcement of his personal visit scheduled for Wednesday, 18th June 2025. According to Akume, this reflects the President’s hands-on leadership and deep empathy for the affected communities, underlining the value of proactive engagement in addressing insecurity.
Ahead of the visit, Akume said he has been tasked with leading a team comprising senior security officials and members of the National Assembly to assess the situation on the ground. This effort highlights the administration’s commitment to restoring peace and stability.
President Tinubu’s upcoming visit follows the recent tragic attacks that have unsettled the region. In line with his directive, a high-level security and legislative team, led by Akume, will include the Inspector General of Police, the National Security Adviser, intelligence agency heads, and key National Assembly members. Their mission is to evaluate the situation firsthand and recommend effective interventions.
Akume reaffirmed the President’s commitment to the safety and well-being of all Nigerians, calling the planned visit “a clear testament to his hands-on leadership and empathy for the plight of the affected communities.” He spoke passionately about the toll the violence has taken, including disrupted livelihoods, mass displacement, and the destruction of farmlands. He stressed the need for a united front to halt the bloodshed and restore order.
He added that the Tinubu administration is fully committed to bringing the perpetrators to justice, urging security agencies to improve intelligence gathering and strengthen collaboration with local communities.
During the visit, President Tinubu is also expected to hold a town hall meeting with local stakeholders to foster dialogue and craft actionable solutions aimed at ending the violence. Akume highlighted the significance of such engagements in addressing the root causes of insecurity.
He warned of the broader economic impacts of continued violence, citing disruptions to agriculture, trade, and livelihoods that deepen poverty and food insecurity, with nationwide consequences. As a former Senate Minority Leader, Akume emphasized the importance of strong legislative-executive cooperation in tackling security challenges, reaffirming that the Tinubu administration will continue working closely with the National Assembly and state governments.
Commending the resilience of the people of Benue and communities across the North East, Akume called on all Nigerians to remain vigilant, cooperative with security agencies, and united in the pursuit of peace.
“Security is a shared responsibility,” he said. “We must all support the Federal Government’s efforts and stay committed to restoring peace across our land.”
President Tinubu’s visit is widely regarded as a critical step in the government’s strategy to end violence in the region and rebuild trust in national security institutions.
