Nobody Can Eliminate Any Tribe On Earth – SGF George Akume Reacts To Benue Attacks

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has firmly stated that no individual or group will ever succeed in eradicating any ethnic group from the face of the earth.

Akume made the statement on Tuesday, June 17, in Makurdi during the official flag-off of the distribution of Federal Government relief materials to victims of recent violent attacks in Yelewata, Guma Local Government Area of Benue State. The event was held at the emergency camp housing survivors of the attacks.

The SGF, who also visited the scene of the killings and the hospital where some of the injured are receiving treatment, condemned the violence, describing it as an act with the appearance of ethnic cleansing. “Attacks which wore the clothes of ethnic cleansing are unjustified and unacceptable,” Akume stated.

He reassured affected communities of the resilience of all ethnic groups against extermination.

“No individual or group would be able to eliminate a whole tribe on earth because God Almighty will not allow it,” he said.

Referencing history, Akume pointed to the Holocaust in Germany, where more than six million Jews were killed. “But today, they have tripled the figure,” he added, emphasising the futility and inhumanity of such atrocities.

Akume urged the people of Benue, especially residents of Yelewata, to maintain peace despite the trauma and provocation.

“I appeal to you to continue to pursue the path of peace,” he said.

He reiterated President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to national unity and security.

“President Tinubu is committed to preserving the unity and sovereignty of the nation. He will stop at nothing to ensure that all Nigerians sleep with their eyes closed,” Akume assured.

The SGF extended condolences to the affected families and urged them to hold on to hope and trust in government efforts.

Also speaking at the event, former Minister of Agriculture, Chief Audu Ogbe, lamented the erosion of compassion in the country.

“Even during wars, children and women were spared,” he said, expressing dismay that the attackers harmed even infants during the Yelewata incident.

Describing the victims as “the most dedicated citizens of the nation,” Ogbe said they were responsible for much of Nigeria’s food production. “No society on earth would survive such carnage,” he warned, recalling the role Benue people played in fighting for the country’s unity during the 1960s.

Senator Jacob Gyado also spoke at the event, urging residents to maintain faith in President Tinubu’s administration and the promises of the Federal Government.

Earlier, Akume had visited Yelewata, where he met with community stakeholders and assessed the extent of the devastation caused by the attacks.