Yelwata killings: Tinubu appoints Atom Kpera, Suswam, Ortom, others to restore peace

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has established a high-level committee to help restore sustainable peace in Benue State following the devastating attack on Yelewata community in Guma Local Government Area, where around 200 people were killed last Friday.

The committee comprises former Benue governors, Gen. Atom Kpera (retd.), Senator George Akume, Senator Gabriel Suswam, and Chief Samuel Ortom. Also appointed are the Paramount Ruler of Tiv Nation and Chairman of the Benue State Traditional Council, HRM Prof. James Ayatse, and the Ochidoma of Idomaland, HRM Dr. John Elaigwu.

Addressing Governor Hyacinth Alia at a town hall meeting in Makurdi on Wednesday, President Tinubu emphasized the need for inclusive stakeholder engagement and urged the governor to lead the peace-building efforts. The committee is to include federal representatives and non-indigenes residing 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,” Tinubu said.

The meeting drew prominent figures, including the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume; traditional rulers; former governors; and the governors of Kwara, Imo, Kogi, Plateau, Ondo, and Nasarawa states.

Tinubu stressed that lasting peace would require cross-border cooperation, particularly with neighboring Nasarawa State. He appealed to Benue communities to support Governor Alia and foster unity and inclusion.

“We’re here to govern, not to bury. We’re here to raise families, not to lose some,” he said.

He assured the people of Benue of the Federal Government’s support and personally vowed to break the cycle of bloodshed.

“I give you the assurance that we will find peace. We will convert this tragedy into prosperity again and again.”

The attack on Yelewata, allegedly carried out by suspected armed herders, is considered one of the worst in recent years. Amnesty International and local officials reported that over 100 people were killed, many are still missing, and hundreds more injured. The police confirmed the attack, with some estimates placing the death toll at around 200—many of the victims were already displaced from previous violence.

Pope Francis referenced the “terrible massacre” during his Sunday Angelus prayer.

The violence is part of a broader crisis linked to land disputes, banditry, and security lapses. Rights groups have attributed the ongoing bloodshed to widespread impunity and government inaction.

At the meeting, President Tinubu ordered security agencies to immediately arrest the perpetrators.

“I expect there should be an arrest of those criminals. Let’s get those criminals,” he told the IGP.

Expressing frustration at the lack of progress, he added:

“Police, I hope your men are on alert to listen to information. How come no arrest has been made?”

Tinubu also directed heads of intelligence agencies to enhance surveillance and produce actionable intelligence.

“DG NIA and DG DSS, retool your information channels and let’s have tangible intelligence that this will not occur again.”

He urged Governor Alia to allocate land for ranching and directed the Minister of Agriculture to follow up. The President also called for blood donations to support victims receiving treatment at the Benue State Teaching Hospital in Makurdi.

“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,” he said.

“The value of human life is greater than that of a cow. We were elected to govern, not to bury people.”

“Governor Alia, you were elected under the progressive banner to ensure peace, stability, and progress. You are not elected to bury people or comfort widows and orphans. We will 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.”