The First Lady of Nigeria Senator Oluremi Tinubu has visited Benue State to condole with the Governor, Rev. Father Hyacinth Alia and the state on the recent killings especially in Yelwata and Dauda communities.
During the visit, the First Lady decried the killings which she described as heart wrenching and unnecessary.
“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 solution, rather than violence. The way of peace is the way of love and love is the greatest power on earth. Despite it suffers long, it conquers all things,” she said.
The First Lady pointed out that peaceful co-existence remains the panacea for increase, growth and development of any community, people or nation.
“Benue State is known as the nation’s ‘food basket’ of the nation because of its rich and diverse agricultural produce. Benue state has a lot to contribute to our nation’s growth and prosperity, especially in the area of food security,” she said.
Responding to demands of residents, the First Lady assured that their messages would be delivered to the President expressing optimism that he will act positively on them.
Earlier the state Governor, Rev Father Hyacinth Alia observed that the recent killings in the State re-emphasised the urgent need for state and community policing.
“This just underscores the urgent need for state and community policing which will ensure swift and timely response, effective intelligence information gathering and safer communities,” he said.
He commended the First Lady’s initiative, Renewed Hope Initiative which he stated, has been characterised by compassion, kindness and support.
“Benue State is overwhelmed by your thoughtfulness, kindness, compassion, empathy and support. We see this and it is a much-admired leadership we appreciate and cherish,” the Governor said.
The Tor Tiv, Prof. James Ayatse called on security agencies to do more to flush out the killer herders who have continued to unleash terror in the state as their activities remain a sickness which if not attended to can consume the nation.
The Traditional Ruler explained that their activities have robbed the state of its status as the food basket of the nation as many farmers now live in fear of going to their farms.
He appealed to the Federal Government to come to the aid of the State so that there would be quantum improvement in food production.
“This is our prayer. That these killer/herder terrorists be flushed out without delay. That the communities that have suffered be assisted to get back to their normal lives. That people in the IDPs should be supported to return to their ancestral land and farm lands,” he said.
The First Lady, on behalf of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) then presented a cheque of N1 billion to Rev. father Hyacinth Alia to support the state and victims of the attacks.
