Benue Political Leaders Unite Behind Tinubu’s Security Agenda
Political leaders across party lines in Benue State have pledged their support for President Bola Tinubu’s security agenda, according to Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume.
Akume disclosed this on Sunday during a solidarity visit to his residence in Abuja by stakeholders from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kwande and Ushongo Local Government Areas.
Speaking at the gathering, Akume said the security situation in Nigeria had improved significantly compared to what the Tinubu administration inherited in May 2023.
“The security situation in the country is not as bad as it used to be by the time we took over. This government has done so much to address this major challenge, and results are there for everyone to see,” he said.
The meeting came just weeks after deadly attacks in Yelwata, a border community between Benue and Nasarawa states, where dozens of people were killed and thousands displaced.
The incident sparked fresh outrage over the state’s prolonged insecurity, particularly in farming communities.
In June, President Tinubu visited Benue, where he met with local leaders, assessed the humanitarian situation, and announced plans to constitute a peace panel to investigate the root causes of the crisis and recommend long-term solutions.
Akume said Sunday’s visit by Benue stakeholders was part of ongoing efforts to build a united front in tackling insecurity.
He recounted how Tinubu, after the Yelwata killings, postponed a scheduled trip to Kaduna to personally visit Benue—an action Akume said reflected the President’s patriotism and deep concern for the people.
“He was there. He saw things for himself and advised me and the governor. He also decided it was time to set up a panel to address the root causes of this crisis,” Akume added.
The SGF said he had submitted recommendations to the President regarding the panel’s composition and that Governor Hyacinth Alia would also be involved in the process.
He further commended Tinubu’s strategy of direct citizen engagement through council meetings in various states, including Kaduna, noting that such forums ensure the people—“owners of the mandate”—can interact meaningfully with government officials.
Akume revealed that additional security personnel had been deployed to Benue, alongside other federal interventions.
He also highlighted First Lady Oluremi Tinubu’s recent visit to the state, during which she announced a N1 billion donation to support recovery efforts.
He mentioned that security assessments led by Professor Yilwatda had taken place, and federal approvals had been granted for road infrastructure projects such as the reconstruction of the Makurdi–Yandev–Katsina-Ala and Makurdi–Aliade–Otukpo roads.
“Security is a shared responsibility. It’s not just about government agencies. All of us have a stake in it,” Akume emphasised.
Also speaking at the event, the lawmaker representing Kwande/Ushongo Federal Constituency, Hon. Terseer Ugbor, said the delegation comprised members of APC, PDP, Labour Party, ADC, and others—signalling bipartisan support for the SGF and the Tinubu administration.
“They have collapsed their structures and ambitions to follow the SGF wherever he shall lead,” Ugbor said.
He noted that Kwande, once one of the most affected areas in terms of security, had witnessed noticeable improvement under the present administration.
“We are seeing results. There has been a great improvement in the security situation so far,” he affirmed.
Ugbor stressed that leaders and citizens across Benue were committed to ending insecurity, adding, “Benue is an agrarian state. Without security, there is no food security. We are determined to end this crisis permanently in the coming months.”
