Lar Beni Butmak

Beni Lar, born on 12 August 1967, is a politician affiliated with the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) from Plateau State, Nigeria.

She served as a member of the House of Representatives for Langtang North and South federal constituencies in Plateau State. Her first election came in 2007, and she was re-elected four times by 2019.

As the eldest daughter of Solomon Lar (a former Governor of Plateau) and Prof. Mary Lar, her father instilled values of equality and hard work in her, encouraging her to pursue a legal career like him.

Lar has championed women’s rights, advocating for policies such as the abolition of discrimination against women and gender equality. She supported bills aimed at improving protections for children and combating trafficking, including emergency funding for NAPTIP and stronger penalties for child abuse.

Her leadership in human rights included chairing the House Committee on Human Rights. In response to 2013 herdsmen attacks in Langtang South, she called for better infrastructure to aid security forces and proposed grazing reserves for Fulani herdsmen, emphasizing communal responsibility for meat provision.

She participated in initiatives like The GlobalPOWER® Women Network, where she advocated against HIV/AIDS among women parliamentarians. In 2014, Lar led protests supporting the rescue of Chibok schoolgirls, wearing #ReleaseOurGirls T-shirts.

Despite criticism that her influence stems partly from her father’s legacy, she has been a model for women in government. Her advocacy for women’s participation and secular education reform—such as allowing students to choose religious studies options—highlighted her efforts to modernize Nigeria’s policies.

In 2019, Lar reclaimed her House seat, emphasizing growth-oriented rhetoric: ‘We must say things that will cause the country to grow.’