Why is there no arrest yet: President Tinubu Calls for Unity and Peace in Benue, Urges Stakeholders to End Cycle of Violence

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appealed for peace, unity, and reconciliation among the people of Benue State, urging leaders and citizens to rise above ethnic divisions and work together for sustainable development. The President made the appeal during a stakeholder engagement held in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, as part of his visit to the state following recent violent attacks in parts of the region.

Your Excellency, the Governor of Benue State, respected stakeholders, traditional leaders, security personnel, members of the APC, fellow Nigerians,

Let me begin by expressing my sincere appreciation to the Chairman and all stakeholders present here today. I want to especially thank the gallant security personnel who have continued to put their lives on the line to safeguard our people. Your bravery and commitment do not go unnoticed.

I also acknowledge the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC)—though not for political reasons, but because we are here on a mission of peace, not politics. I appreciate all arms of government working in unity to confront the challenges faced by the people of Benue State.

Today, I stand before you not just as President of Nigeria, but as a fellow citizen and a father burdened by grief and driven by hope. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones in these senseless killings. The pain you feel is our collective pain as a nation.

We must shift our focus from burying our own to building a future of peace, development, and progress. I was elected under the platform of the All Progressives Congress, but governance transcends party lines. Our shared goal is the peace and prosperity of Benue State and Nigeria as a whole.

I understand your frustration. Abuse me all you want—I will remain strong. But let us not abuse one another. We must be tolerant and ready to share. Much of the conflict here stems from disputes over land, but land must not be more precious than life.

As someone who faced similar tensions in Lagos, I know peace is possible—if we are willing to talk, to listen, and to compromise. Part of the solution lies in constant dialogue. I urge Benue to establish a dedicated radio channel focused on peacebuilding, civic education, and community reconciliation.

Furthermore, I propose the formation of a Peace and Reconciliation Committee, made up of elders, traditional leaders, former governors, and non-indigenes alike. This committee must reflect our diversity, and its essence must be to govern—not to bury. We must provide security, healthcare, and economic opportunities—not graves.

Let us remember the words of our national anthem. If we hope to hand over a peaceful Nigeria to the next generation and those yet unborn we must start now.

We are all members of the same national family, living under one roof. Let us fight the true enemies poverty, ignorance, and hatred not each other.

This is a critical time. The peace we forge today will define our tomorrow. To that end, I have instructed that traditional rulers be actively involved in the peace process and that law enforcement agencies intensify efforts to apprehend those behind the recent violence. The Nigeria Police must remain vigilant and proactive.

To the governors and dignitaries who have come here to show solidarity with the people of Benue, I thank you. Let us convert pain into purpose, and problems into prosperity. That is why we are elected.

On the economic front, let it be known that no region can succeed in isolation. We need each other every farmer, every trader, every child to build the Nigeria of our dreams. I am ready to invest in peace, and my administration is committed to supporting Benue on its journey to healing and progress.

May God bless Benue State. May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.