Akume: Insecurity Has Significantly Reduced Under Tinubu’s Leadership

Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, has stated that Nigeria’s security situation has improved considerably since President Bola Tinubu assumed office in May 2023.

According to iReporter Online, Akume made the remarks while receiving a delegation comprising political leaders from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kwande and Ushongo local government areas of Benue State. The delegation paid him a solidarity visit at his Abuja residence on Sunday.

Addressing the delegation, Akume said that while insecurity remains a concern, notable progress has been achieved, particularly through the efforts of the current administration. He emphasized that the Tinubu-led government has taken bold and coordinated actions to combat insecurity, and the results are evident nationwide.

This statement comes in the wake of recent attacks in Yelwata, a border community between Benue and Nasarawa states, where dozens were killed and thousands displaced. The attacks renewed national concern about violence in rural communities.

In response, President Tinubu visited Benue in June, opting to forgo a planned trip to Kaduna in order to directly assess the humanitarian crisis. During the visit, the President met with local leaders and pledged decisive federal intervention, including the formation of a peace panel to investigate the causes of recurring violence and recommend solutions.

Akume highlighted that the President’s personal visit demonstrated his commitment to national unity and concern for the people of Benue. He further revealed that he has already submitted recommendations for the composition of the proposed panel and that the state governor is expected to participate in its implementation.

He also noted that security personnel have been newly deployed across Benue as part of ongoing federal response efforts. Additional interventions include infrastructure projects, such as the reconstruction of the Makurdi–Yandev–Katsina-Ala road and the continuation of works on the Makurdi–Aliade–Otukpo highway.

The SGF commended the President’s broader approach to governance, particularly his interactive sessions with citizens in Kaduna and other parts of the North, which he described as essential to enhancing civic engagement and accountability.

Akume disclosed that the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, had recently visited Benue to evaluate progress following the President’s visit, and also announced a federal donation of ₦1 billion to support relief and rehabilitation efforts in the state.

Speaking on the collective responsibility for security, Akume stated that combating insecurity cannot be left to government forces alone and requires the cooperation of all citizens. He urged local communities to actively support security agencies and participate in peace-building initiatives.

Also speaking during the meeting, Hon. Terseer Ugbor, member of the House of Representatives representing Kwande/Ushongo Federal Constituency, affirmed the unity of political stakeholders in Benue in support of the Tinubu administration. He revealed that members of various political parties—including the APC, PDP, Labour Party, and ADC—had agreed to consolidate their support behind the SGF’s leadership.

Ugbor expressed optimism about the recent security improvements in Kwande, one of the hardest-hit regions, and emphasized the need for a sustained, collective effort to achieve lasting peace in Benue.

He reiterated that ensuring safety in the state is essential not only for protection of lives but also for food security, given Benue’s central role as an agricultural hub.