By Felly Mammah, Abuja

 

After years of political turbulence, division, and violent unrest, Benue State has finally embraced peace, following a symbolic reconciliation between Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia and Senator George Akume, Nigeria’s Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF).

 

Once the epicenter of strife, godfatherism, and deeply rooted political rivalry, Benue had become a state where development seemed stalled by endless conflict and distrust. However, the long-awaited peace accord reached on June 25, 2025, has shifted the narrative — giving citizens renewed hope and a pathway toward unity and progress.

 

A Symbolic Homecoming

 

Following the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting in Abuja, Governor Alia paid a peace visit to his political mentor and elder statesman, Sen. George Akume, at his Maitama residence. This visit, described by observers as the “Kiss of Repentance and Reunion,” mirrors the biblical reconciliation between Jacob and Esau — a moment of tears, healing, and divine embrace, as referenced in Genesis 33:4.

 

Governor Alia, a former Catholic priest and first-time politician, recognized the importance of humility and unity in resolving the deep-rooted conflicts in his state. His gesture, according to insiders, was in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive to prioritize peace over politics, and governance over grudges.

 

Unity as a Tool for Transformation

 

The peace accord, brokered under the guidance of the Tor Tiv, Och’Idoma, and respected elders, is expected to bring an end to the state’s political fragmentation and insecurity — notably the recent genocidal attacks in Yelwata community.

 

President Tinubu has since directed the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs to assess the full cost of destruction from recent crises and begin steps toward rehabilitation and resettlement. Senators from Benue and other stakeholders have also backed Governor Alia’s request for increased security presence in the state, including calls for state policing.

 

Development Projects Regain Momentum

 

With peace finally finding its footing, Governor Alia’s administration has intensified its developmental agenda, particularly targeting youth empowerment and institutional reforms.

• Over 9,700 citizens were recently employed under the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB).

• Other key employment initiatives have been rolled out through the Benue Investment and Property Company (BIPC) and the Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH).

• Projects under the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP) are also reconnecting rural communities to urban centers, enhancing productivity and trade.

 

Governor Alia has equally made history by appointing the first female Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mrs. Deborah Seremun Abner, a seasoned legal practitioner — a move widely celebrated by women across the state.

 

A Call for Support and Forgiveness

 

While Alia has never been associated with political trading or privatization of public assets, he now calls on citizens, stakeholders, and the federal leadership to forgive past misunderstandings and support the shared vision for Benue’s peace and progress.

 

He remains committed to transparency, inclusivity, and governance with purpose, urging that this peace accord not be seen as a political strategy but as a moral duty to the people and future generations.

 

Peace Committee Composition

 

In accordance with President Tinubu’s directive, a high-powered Peace Committee has been constituted to ensure lasting stability in Benue State. Members include:

• Sen. George Akume – Secretary to the Government of the Federation

• Chief Samuel Ortom – Former Governor

• Sen. Gabriel Suswam – Former Governor

• Mr. Atom Akpera

• Prof. James Ayatse – Tor Tiv

• Dr. John Elaigwu Odogbo – Och’Idoma

 

Conclusion: A New Chapter for Benue

 

Benue’s story is no longer one of endless crisis. With unity now guiding its leadership, and forgiveness paving the road to healing, the state stands poised for a new era of transformation. Like Jacob and Esau, brothers once divided have embraced, and the people of Benue are the true winners of this reconciliation.