First Lady seeks end to Benue killings, donates N1bn to victims

By Celine-Damilola Oyewole

Nigeria’s First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu called for an end to violence and killings in Benue as she donated N1 billion and other relief materials to victims through her NGO, the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI).

Mrs Tinubu announced the donation during her visit to commiserate with Benue people, especially those who lost their family members and properties in the attacks.

She said the N1 billion donation was to help displaced families get back on their feet, go back to earning a living, and have a better life.

“I am here today to condole with the Benue State Governor, Rev. Father Hyacinth Alia and the good people of the state.

“I am deeply saddened by the killings that have occurred in recent weeks in the state, especially in Yelwata and Dauda communities, which led to devastating casualties, and destruction of properties, homes and sources of livelihood.

“It is more worrisome that people who have once lived together in harmony are now killing one another,” the first lady said.

She expressed sadness over how the state, hitherto known as a peace haven, had been turned into a killing field and war zone, insisting that; “this must stop”.

She noted that the state had contributed a lot to the country’s growth and prosperity, especially in the area of food security.

“Benue state is known as the nation’s food basket because of its rich and diverse agricultural produce.

“As a mother, I urge you all to bury any grievances and go back to cordial and peaceful coexistence.

“When there are disagreements, dialogue and patience remain the best solutions rather than violence, the way of peace is the way of love and love is the greatest power on earth.

“On behalf of the governing council of RHI, we are making this donation of N1 billion to help displaced families get back on their feet, go back to earning a living, and have a better life.

According to the first lady, the donation is in line with the objective of the RHI, as contained in the motto: “Towards a Better Life for Families”.

Mrs Tinubu also pleaded with traditional and religious leaders, and other prominent leaders in the state, to assist the government in bringing peace back to the state.

Alia, in his response appreciated the First Lady for her motherly care and support to Benue in its most trying times.

The governor said that Benue was overwhelmed by the first lady’s thoughtfulness, kindness, and generosity.

He added that her presence and donation of N1 billion to victims of violence spoke volumes of her motherly heart, compassion, and commitment to national solidarity.

“Just as you stood with Plateau in their moment of grief recently, you have come here today, bearing the gift of your presence, empathy, and support.

“This consistency reflects the kind of leadership and motherliness that we deeply admire and cherish. Benue appreciates you greatly. Nigeria appreciates you wholeheartedly.

“Here in Benue, the impact has been profound and far-reaching. Allow me to express, with utmost appreciation, the multiple interventions we have benefited from: ₦500,000 donation each to 20 women farmers in Benue State.

“Financial and medical outreach packages for the elderly during the Christmas season. ₦50,000 recapitalisation grants to 1,000 petty traders.

“A full truck of assorted food items and another of rice for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), orphanage homes, widows, and persons living with disabilities.

“Agricultural empowerment of 250 women and youth. SDG/RHI donation of freezers, grinding machines, generators, and gas cookers to 500 beneficiaries, among many other interventions,” he said.

According to Alia, at the moment, Benue hosts more than 1.5 million Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) spread across official camps and host communities.

He noted that the recent attacks had led to the emergence of new IDP camps at the International Market, Makurdi, where more than 3,160 persons, mainly women and children, were located, as well as at NKST Primary School Naka, where 18,592 persons were camped seeking refuge under dire conditions.

He added that while attention was given to Yelewata, recent killings after the Yelewata incidence in Naka had created a much bigger humanitarian crisis that needed global attention and support.

He urged the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and other well-spirited individuals and organisations to visit Naka and lend support, saying; “we cannot do this alone as a state”.

The governor further said that the current security architecture had not proven sufficient in curbing the incessant attacks in Benue communities.

“A decentralised, locally rooted policing structure will greatly enhance intelligence gathering, swift response, and accountability.

“It is time for Nigeria to embrace state police as a practical and necessary step towards securing lives, property, and peace across the nation.

“Furthermore, I humbly appeal to Her Excellency to consider championing the process of encouraging the domestication of the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law across all North Central states.

“A regional approach to ranching and the prohibition of open grazing will ensure consistency in enforcement and eliminate safe havens for violators moving across state boundaries,” Alia added. (NAN)