Tinubu on Wednesday expressed deep sorrow over the rising death toll and the displacement of thousands due to attacks by armed groups. He extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and all those affected by the crisis.

“The continued killings in Benue State are unacceptable,” the President said.

“As a government, we cannot fold our arms while lives are being wasted and communities destroyed. Every Nigerian deserves to live in peace and security.”

President Tinubu disclosed that the Federal Government would immediately constitute a high-level peace committee to mediate and drive reconciliation efforts across affected communities. He emphasized that traditional rulers from Benue and other key regions would play a central role in the committee’s work, alongside community leaders, security experts, and other critical stakeholders.

“Our traditional institutions are pillars of peace and custodians of culture. Their voices must be at the heart of any lasting solution,” Tinubu stated. “This committee will engage with all sides, address the root causes of the conflict, and chart a path toward genuine peace.”

He stressed that while security operations will continue to prevent further attacks, dialogue, reconciliation, and community involvement are equally essential in healing the wounds of conflict.

“We will combine strength with wisdom, and force with dialogue. Peace in Benue is not negotiable. This administration is fully committed to protecting every Nigerian life,” the President affirmed.

Tinubu urged all parties in the state to support the peace initiative and reject violence, assuring them that the Federal Government will not relent in its duty to secure the lives and livelihoods of the people of Benue.

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Clad in black and holding placards and palm fronds, the demonstrators barricaded the major road, disrupting traffic for hours and demanding urgent government intervention to end the bloodshed.

The protest came less than 24 hours after suspected armed herdsmen reportedly killed over 200 people in a brutal attack on Yelewata community in Guma Local Government Area. The incident, one of the deadliest in recent times, has further deepened fears and frustration among residents who say they feel abandoned by the government.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar condemned the attack in a statement, describing the killings as “horrific and unacceptable.”

He called on the federal government to urgently overhaul its security strategy and bring the perpetrators to justice.

“No community should be left to live in fear while the state fails in its primary duty of protecting lives and property,” Atiku stated.

Despite earlier warnings from the Benue State Government against unlawful gatherings, the protesters said they could no longer remain silent in the face of what they described as a “slow genocide.”

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