MAKURDI, Nigeria — President Bola Tinubu has pledged to support Governor Hyacinth Alia in restoring peace to Benue State, following a wave of deadly attacks that have left over 200 people dead in recent days.
Speaking during a town hall meeting with political and traditional leaders in Makurdi on Wednesday, July 18, 2025, Tinubu expressed sympathy with victims of the violence and called for urgent collaborative action to stabilise the state.
“You’re elected under the progressive banner to ensure there’s peace, stability, and progress so that we can come and commission projects, rejoice with you on progress, value, and things of joy,” Tinubu said, addressing Governor Alia.
“You are not elected to bury people, create orphans and orphanages, or sympathise with widows. We will work with you to achieve that peace.”
The President’s visit comes in the aftermath of attacks by suspected herders in Yelewata and Daudu communities in Guma Local Government Area.
The violence, which erupted on Saturday, June 14, 2025, is among the deadliest in recent months, with the reported death toll exceeding 200 and thousands displaced.
Tinubu also addressed political tensions within the state, remarking on opposition to Governor Alia’s leadership.
“Your political enemies don’t want you to succeed,” he said.
“Are you just realising that?”
The President acknowledged widespread criticism and public discontent over his administration’s handling of security.
“No matter what I do, they will insult me. I read the papers, and I learn from their criticism because I can’t see it all,” he noted.
He urged leaders in the state to unify efforts to rebuild trust and end the cycle of violence.
“We must all work together to end this bloodshed and return our communities to peace and stability,” he said.
Tinubu’s comments follow growing criticism of the federal government’s response to the crisis in Benue.
On Tuesday, June 17, 2025, a coalition of Benue community leaders in the diaspora issued an open letter rejecting the President’s earlier call for reconciliation between what he described as “warring parties.”
The group described the characterisation of the violence as communal conflict as “misplaced,” insisting that the killings amounted to acts of terrorism and systematic land-grabbing.
The letter argued that reconciliation without justice and security would be untenable.
