‘These Killings Not Restricted To Benue’ — SGF Akume Breaks Silence
Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has broken his silence on the escalating violence in Benue State, describing the continued killings as “mindless bloodletting” and attributing the motives behind them to economic interests rather than religion.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Monday and personally signed by the former Benue governor, Akume expressed sorrow over what he called a “deep wound to the soul of our nation.”
“This latest reprehensible act — one among too many — is not merely a tragedy for Benue; it is a deep wound to the soul of our nation,” Akume said.
“These dastardly acts are not restricted to Benue State alone. Plateau and Zamfara states also suffer the same fate. These killings are economically deterministic, not religiously driven.”
His comments come on the heels of widespread outrage following an attack in the Yelewata community in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, where over 200 people were reported killed by suspected armed herdsmen.
The massacre has triggered mass protests, criticism of the state government, and renewed calls for federal intervention.
Akume called on the people of Benue — particularly political leaders, traditional rulers, and civil society — to set aside divisions and urgently unite for peace and security.
“Beyond mourning, I call on all sons and daughters of Benue, our leaders, traditional institutions, and key stakeholders to come together now — urgently — to forge a path toward lasting peace and security.
“We must rise above division and act decisively to protect our people and preserve our future,” he stated.
The SGF also thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as a “swift response” to the crisis, including military deployments and humanitarian relief through the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).
“I appreciate President Tinubu for his swift directive for a full security operation to rid Benue of these killers and bring the perpetrators to justice,” Akume noted.
“The federal government has also rendered assistance through NEMA, and additional troops have been deployed to manage the volatile situation.”
Akume pledged to continue mobilizing support and resources to achieve peace not only in Benue but also in other crisis-prone states.
“For my part, as a son of the soil and a key stakeholder, I will not relent in consulting, mobilizing, and coordinating all necessary efforts to find and implement a durable solution, as I am doing the same for all the other affected states.”
Akume also invoked religious and moral values, calling on Nigerians of all faiths and ethnic backgrounds to uphold the sanctity of human life.
“As believers — Christians, Muslims, and traditionalists — we believe in the sanctity of human lives.
“Any single life lost offends the sensibility of God Almighty. All of us must live as brothers and sisters in peace and harmony.”
The SGF extended condolences to the victims and pledged unwavering support to ensure justice is served.
“I extend our deepest condolences to the grieving families and the resilient people of Benue.
“In this dark hour, we stand with you. And we will not rest until justice speaks — loudly, clearly, and without delay.”
‘These Killings Not Restricted To Benue’ — SGF Akume Breaks Silence is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
