Akume Begins Peace Talks with Benue Monarchs After Tinubu’s Directive

|By Adejumo Adekunle-

-Akume Engages Benue Monarchs to Drive Tinubu’s Peace Mission

-Traditional Rulers Pledge Support to End Killings in Food Basket of the Nation

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has begun consultations with top traditional rulers in Benue State, following a directive from President Bola Tinubu during his recent visit to the state.

Akume met separately with the Tor Tiv, His Royal Majesty, Orchivirigh Prof. James Ayatse, and the Och’Idoma, His Royal Majesty, Agabaidu Elaigwu Odogbo Obagaji John, on Saturday in a high-level meeting aimed at restoring peace and halting insecurity in the troubled North Central state.

The SGF’s move comes days after President Tinubu ordered the immediate constitution of a strategic peace committee to identify the underlying causes of violence in Benue and develop a lasting solution.

Addressing the monarchs, Akume described the recurring violence as heartbreaking, and emphasized that the Federal Government is determined to end the senseless killings in Benue, often referred to as the food basket of the nation.

“We want to appeal to you to continue to stay vigilant so that miscreants do not infiltrate the communities. Whenever you observe a breach, do not resist in informing us. The President will never disappoint you,” Akume said.

Akume, who hails from Benue, stressed that the inclusion of traditional leaders in the peace process underscores the Tinubu administration’s confidence in the role of traditional institutions in conflict resolution, grassroots dialogue, and community rebuilding.

In their responses, both monarchs commended President Tinubu’s physical presence in the state and described his direct engagement as “reassuring.” They pledged their full support to the government’s reconciliation efforts.

The ongoing consultations are expected to pave the way for wider stakeholder dialogues and security interventions aimed at returning Benue to stability and sustained development.