By Prosper Mene
Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has expressed profound gratitude to Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for her compassionate support and intervention following the recent violent attacks in the state. During a condolence visit to Makurdi on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, Mrs. Tinubu donated N1 billion through her Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) to aid families displaced by a suspected herders’ attack in Yelewata community, Guma Local Government Area, where over 100 lives were lost in June.
Governor Alia, speaking at the New Banquet Hall of the Benue State Government House, described the First Lady’s gesture as a reflection of her “motherly heart, compassion, and commitment to national solidarity.” He highlighted her consistent support, noting her similar aid to Plateau State during its recent challenges. “Benue is overwhelmed by your thoughtfulness, kindness, and generosity,” Alia said, emphasizing that the donation and her presence provide hope and healing to the state’s grieving communities.
The N1 billion donation aims to help displaced families rebuild their lives by addressing essential needs such as food, shelter, healthcare, and vocational training. Mrs. Tinubu, addressing the people of Benue, urged for peace and dialogue, stating, “The way of peace is the way of love, and love is the greatest power on earth.” She also pledged RHI’s support to ensure affected children return to school and to address cross-border attacks in collaboration with the wife of the Nasarawa State Governor.
The First Lady decried the “hellish” living conditions of over 1.5 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Benue, including 3,160 at the International Market in Makurdi and 18,592 at NKST Primary School in Naka. She called for unity, emphasizing that Nigeria’s diversity should foster understanding rather than division.
Governor Alia also used the occasion to advocate for state police, arguing that a decentralized policing structure would enhance intelligence gathering and swift responses to security threats. He further appealed to Mrs. Tinubu to champion the domestication of the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law across North Central states to curb farmer-herder conflicts.
The paramount ruler of the Tiv nation, Prof. James Ayatse, described the attacks as a “genocidal war” and accused neighboring Nasarawa State of serving as a base for assailants, calling for urgent action.
Mrs. Tinubu’s visit, which included a ceremonial cheque presentation and stakeholder meetings, was warmly received by state officials and local leaders, who described the donation as a lifeline for families struggling to survive. Governor Alia reiterated his commitment to working with stakeholders to rebuild affected communities and ensure lasting peace, expressing hope that the First Lady’s gesture would inspire further support for Benue’s humanitarian crisis.
