……………Calls for calm as President Tinubu intensifies efforts to end killings in Guma Local Government.
FIC Report (Benue State) – The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, on Monday, 17th June, 2025, undertook a condolence and assessment visit to Yelewata in Nyiev Council Ward of Guma Local Government Area, following the tragic attack on the community which occurred on Thursday, 13th June, 2025.
During the visit, Senator Akume expressed heartfelt condolences to the affected families and the entire Nyiev community over the unfortunate incident which claimed many lives and destroyed property. He assured the people that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is taking strategic and urgent steps to ensure a permanent end to the killings in Guma and across other troubled areas in Benue State.
The SGF, while addressing community members during the on-the-spot visit, conveyed the President’s deep sorrow over the incident and commitment to safeguarding citizens. He disclosed that the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) is working to provide emergency relief materials to affected households in order to cushion the effects of the attack.
Senator Akume, who regretted his delayed physical presence at the scene, urged the people to remain calm and law-abiding, stressing that security agencies have been directed to intensify surveillance and forestall any further recurrence of violence.
Also present during the visit were the Member representing Makurdi/Guma Federal Constituency, Hon. Dickson Tarkighir, and the Senator representing Benue North-West Senatorial District, Senator Titus Zam, who both commiserated with the bereaved families and encouraged the people to keep faith in President Tinubu’s resolve to restore peace in the region.
They lauded the SGF for his swift intervention and for facilitating the deployment of security personnel to the affected area.
A community leader in Nyiev Ward, Hon. Matthew Mnyam, expressed appreciation for the visit, noting that it had rekindled hope among the grieving populace. He prayed that such incidents do not repeat in the future.
In his address, the District Head of Nyiev, Zaki Bernard Shawa, informed the SGF that over 100 lives have been lost to attacks in recent weeks, including the 13th June incident. He appealed for the establishment of a mobile police unit in Yelewata and called for the provision of relief materials to support victims.
Signed:
Irene Iveren Onehi
Head of Center
Federal Information Center, Makurdi
