The paramount ruler of Benue State, Tor Tiv James Ortese Iorzua Ayatse, has made an impassioned appeal to President Bola Tinubu to restore peace to the troubled state following recent deadly attacks.
"Give us peace so that our people can go back to their farms," Ayatse urged during the President's visit to Makurdi, the state capital. The traditional ruler reminded Tinubu that Benue State had given him significant electoral support during the last elections.
"I heard of a story in Kwara State when they cried, you gave them peace," the Tor Tiv added, appealing to the President's previous conflict resolution efforts in other regions.
Presidential Visit Amid Tragedy
President Tinubu's visit to Benue follows horrific violence in Yelewata, Guma Local Government Area, where over 300 people were reportedly killed by suspected herders in recent days.
As part of his response to the crisis, the President visited injured victims at the Benue Teaching Hospital, demonstrating his concern for those affected by the violence.
One survivor recounted the harrowing experience, stating: "They burnt 20 of my family members alive," highlighting the brutal nature of the attacks that have devastated communities across the state.
Controversy Surrounds Presidential Welcome
The presidential visit has not been without controversy. Despite the Benue State Government declaring a statewide public holiday, reports emerged that schoolchildren from government-owned institutions were made to line the streets in heavy rain to welcome the President.
This decision has sparked public outrage, with critics arguing that what was meant to be a solemn condolence visit had taken on political overtones. Former Minister of Education, Oby Ezekwesili, was among those who condemned the state government for the treatment of the schoolchildren.
Meanwhile, the Miyetti Allah group has reportedly commended President Tinubu's peace efforts in Benue, suggesting the complex nature of the conflict and the various stakeholders involved.
The Benue crisis represents one of the most significant security challenges facing the Tinubu administration, with the President now under pressure to deliver on the peace that the Tor Tiv and the people of Benue are desperately seeking.
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