Progressive Governors back Tinubu’s response to Benue killings

The Progressives Governors Forum (PGF) has pledged its full support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s stance and planned actions in response to the recent deadly attacks in Benue State.

Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma, made this known to journalists on Wednesday in Abuja after a meeting with some members of the Forum.

Governor Uzodimma said the PGF stands firmly behind the President’s commitment to ending the cycle of violence and ensuring that those responsible for the killings are brought to justice.

“The Progressives Governors Forum is fully in support of President Tinubu’s position on the Benue killings,” he stated.

President Tinubu had earlier on Wednesday paid a condolence visit to Governor Hyacinth Alia in Makurdi, following the recent massacre in Yelwata, Guma Local Government Area, where over 200 people were reportedly killed in attacks linked to armed herders.

Uzodimma explained that the visit by progressive governors to Benue was both an expression of solidarity with their colleague and an endorsement of President Tinubu’s planned intervention.

“We were in Benue to show solidarity to our colleague and also to encourage Mr. President in his efforts to address this recurring crisis in the state,” he said.

He emphasized the Forum’s satisfaction with Tinubu’s approach to tackling insecurity—not just in Benue, but across Nigeria—and called for intensified action at the grassroots level.

“We’ve just concluded a meeting where we discussed the need for sub-national governments to take security down to rural communities. From now on, we must do everything possible to protect lives and property, which is the primary duty of government,” he added.

Uzodimma also commended the President’s performance over the past two years and expressed optimism that Nigeria is on the path to peace and prosperity.

In addition, he echoed the President’s support for the establishment of ranches in Benue State to resolve the long-standing conflict between farmers and herders, describing it as a practical step toward peaceful coexistence.

He also welcomed the proposal for state police, aligning with Governor Alia’s recommendation, noting that decentralizing security would empower local communities to respond more effectively to threats.

“There’s no difference between state police and community policing. It’s all about ensuring that both the governed and ungoverned spaces are secured,” Uzodimma said.

He added that a technical committee would be set up to draft a working document on implementing these strategies going forward.