We were elected to govern, not to bury people, Tinubu says in Benue

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has underscored the importance of peace for sustainable development.

Tinubu made this known while addressing stakeholders at the Government House, Markudi on Wednesday.

The President accompanied by the Secretary to the Federal Government, George Akume visited Benue State to assess firsthand the recurring crisis that claimed numerous lives and caused significant destruction in Yelewata community.
Tinubu in his speech, implored the Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia to ensure the State is peaceful, adding that the circumstances of his visit this time should not have been a reason to visit.

He said, “I wanted to come here to commission projects, to reassure you of hope and prosperity, not to see gloomy faces. But peace is vital to development. The value of human life is greater than that of a cow. We were elected to govern, not to bury people”.

He charged the Governor with working with the federal government to restore peace and urged him to set up a peace committee in the state that will include former govs of Benue, elders, traditional rulers, federal government officials, and non-indigenes living in the state.
“Let us meet again in Abuja. Let’s fashion out a framework for lasting peace. I am ready to invest in that peace. I assure you, we will find peace. We will convert this tragedy into prosperity.

“Governor Alia, you were elected under the progressive banner to ensure peace, stability, and progress. You’re not elected to bury people or comfort widows and orphans. We’ll work with you to achieve that peace. You must also work with us.

“Not everyone will like you in politics. They hate me, too—like hell. But here I am, still your President. I made a promise to protect democracy, freedom, and prosperity, even for my abusers and accusers. That’s leadership,” the President emphasised.

Tinubu who had earlier directed the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and the Chief of Defence Staff, Christopher Musa, to immediately arrest killer herders who perpetrated the heinous killing in the State.

He called out the Inspector General of Police to know why arrests have not been made. “How come no one has been arrested for committing this heinous crime in Yelewata.

According to the statement released by his aide, Tinubu said, “Inspector General of Police, where are the arrests? The criminals must be arrested immediately”.
The President urged the heads of the Department of State Services (DSS) and the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) to intensify surveillance and gather actionable intelligence to apprehend the perpetrators.

He told the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, of the need for vigilance and collaboration between communities and security forces.

In his remarks, Governor Hyacinth Alia appealed to the Federal Government to establish a Special Intervention Fund for communities affected by repeated violent attacks across Benue State.
“Your Excellency, while we continue to mourn our losses and rebuild from the ashes of pain, we humbly urge Federal Govt to consider establishing a special intervention fund for communities affected by these incessant attacks in Benue State,” he said.

Governor Alia said the fund would support the rehabilitation of displaced persons, reconstruction of destroyed homes and infrastructure, and the restoration of livelihoods, especially for farmers.

He reiterated his support for establishing state police as a lasting solution to insecurity while pledged full commitment to building a safe, stable, prosperous Benue State.

The meeting included the former Governors of the state, Kwara, Imo, Kogi, Plateau, Ondo, and Nasarawa State Governors also attended.