President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has pledged to transform the pain and destruction caused by the recent massacre in Yelwata, Benue State, into a new beginning of peace and development.

Addressing families of victims and leaders of the state during a visit, the president promised that his administration would not only pursue justice but also invest in initiatives that would bring lasting peace and economic prosperity to the region.

Standing before a solemn gathering in Benue on Wednesday, Tinubu extended heartfelt condolences to the families of over 150 people killed in the brutal attack. He acknowledged the weight of the moment, describing the killings as a national tragedy that demands more than sympathy — it demands swift action, honesty, and accountability.

The president announced plans to establish a ranch in Benue State, personally requesting land from Governor Hyacinth Alia, saying it was time to address the underlying factors driving herder-farmer tensions. He noted that livestock reform was essential to restoring peace and reducing friction between communities.

“Governor, give me land here to establish a ranch. I will share the profits after you retire. We can shake off the backwardness,” the president said.

“We can turn this tragedy into economic prosperity. We can do it, and we will do it with you,” he added.

Beyond ranching, Tinubu proposed the creation of a Benue Peace Committee, to include former governors, traditional rulers, and non-indigenes. This body, he said, would help chart a new framework for coexistence and report directly to the presidency.

 “Let us please find a way to form a committee of elders here. I’m ready to invest in that peace.”

He then addressed the people of Benue state, saying, “I just want to appeal to you. It’s a very critical time. The governor needs your help. Help encourage him, embrace the peace. Let’s set up that committee. And let’s get a committee of non-indigenous incorporated. And the governor of Nasarawa is here, too, and the governor of Benue is here. Let’s create that synergy. For peace, development, and prosperity. We are here to govern, not to bury. We are here to raise families, not to lose them.”

Tinubu questioned the security agencies over the absence of arrests following the massacre, issuing a direct charge to the police, DSS, and NIA to deploy intelligence and ensure that the perpetrators are found and brought to justice.

“How come no arrest has been made? I expect that there should be arrests of those criminals… Let’s get those criminals. Let’s get them out.”

The president also directed the state government to mobilise voluntary blood donations to aid those wounded in the attack and commended medical personnel who have been treating victims. He acknowledged the profound emotional toll the violence had taken on the people, saying it was unacceptable that innocent lives continued to be lost in such numbers.

Addressing political tensions and distractions, Tinubu told Governor Alia not to be deterred by critics or opponents who would prefer to sow division rather than build peace.

“Political enemies don’t want you to succeed. But we must not allow them to derail us from doing the right thing.”

Ozioma Samuel-Ugwuezi

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