Makurdi, 18 June 2025 – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu visited Benue State on Wednesday, calling for economic transformation and dialogue to address the state’s persistent crises. Meeting victims of recent attacks at the Benue State Teaching Hospital and engaging stakeholders at Government House, Makurdi, alongside Governor Hyacinth Alia, Tinubu promised federal support but faced scrutiny over the practicality and sensitivity of his proposals.
In his address, Tinubu urged Benue to transform its tragedies into opportunities for prosperity, citing his success as Lagos State governor in resolving herder-butcher conflicts. “I created an economy out of it,” he said, proposing a ranch to mitigate herder-farmer clashes in Benue. He also advocated for consistent communication to foster tolerance, suggesting a radio station or channel to engage the public and a committee of elders, including former state leaders, to promote dialogue.
Governor Alia, however, pressed for immediate federal action, urging the establishment of a special intervention fund to rehabilitate displaced persons, rebuild infrastructure, and restore livelihoods for farmers affected by ongoing violence. Benue, long plagued by herder-farmer conflicts and communal clashes, has seen thousands displaced and local economies devastated.
While Tinubu’s optimism resonated with some, his remarks sparked debate over their feasibility. His Lagos anecdote, though compelling, was critiqued as disconnected from Benue’s agrarian context, where land disputes and ethnic tensions fuel conflict. Establishing a ranch, while potentially viable, faces logistical hurdles, including contested land ownership and inadequate infrastructure. Without a clear timeline or funding plan, the proposal risks being seen as aspirational rather than actionable.
The call for dialogue via a radio station and an elders’ committee was welcomed but deemed insufficient without addressing systemic issues like weak security and economic marginalisation. Benue’s conflicts stem from deep-rooted grievances, and past elite-driven initiatives have often failed to deliver grassroots impact. Critics argue that dialogue must be paired with robust security and economic measures to tackle the root causes of unrest.
Tinubu’s pledge of federal support—“We will do it with you”—lacked specifics, particularly in response to Alia’s request for a special fund. With thousands languishing in IDP camps and farmers unable to return to their lands, the absence of concrete commitments to funding or security measures raised concerns. Some stakeholders described the president’s focus on long-term prosperity as tone-deaf, given the immediate suffering of victims who have lost homes, loved ones, and livelihoods.
For many in Benue, the visit underscored the urgent need for both short-term relief and long-term strategies. A special intervention fund, as proposed by Alia, could provide critical support for rehabilitation and infrastructure, enabling displaced persons to rebuild their lives. However, its success hinges on federal backing, which remains uncertain.
Tinubu’s vision for economic transformation and unity is a step forward, but its success depends on detailed planning, stakeholder buy-in, and tangible resources. As Benue grapples with years of violence and displacement, its people await not just promises but decisive action to deliver security, recovery, and hope.
