Killings Persist: First Lady Tinubu Visits Benue, Donates ₦1 Billion to Support IDPs

From Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, visited Benue State to commiserate with the government and people over ongoing violent attacks in the state. She announced a ₦1 billion donation to internally displaced persons (IDPs) as part of efforts to ease their suffering.

During the visit, Senator Tinubu condemned the continued killings and urged for an immediate end to the violence. She stressed the importance of peace, dialogue, and collective responsibility in restoring normalcy to affected communities.

“We must not allow violence to destroy our shared humanity,” she said. “Dialogue, compassion, and unity are the only sustainable solutions. Every life matters, and every voice should count.”

The First Lady reiterated her commitment to supporting vulnerable groups, especially children, women, and persons with disabilities. She described the conditions in which many IDPs live as “hellish,” calling for renewed national reflection and resolve.

“We are here today because the weight of silence is too heavy. In these times, when the light seems dimmed, our presence and actions must bring hope. Nigeria’s diversity should be a bridge, not a barrier,” she added.

Speaking at the event, the Tor Tiv, Professor James Ayatse, appealed to the Federal Government to take firm action against the terror groups behind the attacks in Benue and Nasarawa states. He emphasized the need for rebuilding destroyed communities and compensating victims.

He urged Nasarawa State Governor, Engineer Abdullahi Sule, to urgently flush out armed Fulani elements allegedly launching attacks on Benue communities from border areas. He described the violence as “deliberate and genocidal,” not communal clashes.

The Tor Tiv also challenged security agencies to bring the perpetrators and their sponsors to justice, questioning why those raising national security concerns were being faulted. He thanked the First Lady for her visit and her numerous interventions under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Governor Hyacinth Alia, while welcoming Senator Tinubu, expressed gratitude for her compassion and concern for Benue during what he called a deeply distressing time.

Governor Alia renewed his call for the establishment of state police and the adoption of a national ranching policy, stressing the need for sustainable solutions to herder-related insecurity.

He praised the First Lady’s Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), noting its far-reaching impact across the country and particularly in Benue State. Interventions listed include:

₦500,000 each to 20 women farmers in Benue

Medical and financial outreach to the elderly

₦50,000 recapitalization grants to 1,000 petty traders

Full truck of assorted food items and rice for IDPs and vulnerable groups

Distribution of unity fabrics, equipment for empowerment, and support for agricultural development

Governor Alia also urged the First Lady to advocate for the domestication of the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law across all North Central states, insisting that a regional approach would ensure better enforcement and protect communities from cross-border attacks.