President Bola Tinubu has announced his intention to clear his schedule to visit the people of Benue State on Wednesday, in response to the recent attack in the Yelewata community last Saturday that claimed many lives.
Speaking on Monday during the inauguration of the Greater Abuja Water Supply Network, Tinubu said, “I will adjust my programme and go see Benue people on Wednesday.”
He extended his condolences to those affected and urged the residents to handle their diversity, anger, and frustration peacefully and remain united.
During the visit, the President is scheduled to meet with traditional rulers, political and religious leaders, community figures, and youth groups in a bid to find long-term solutions to the ongoing violence.
According to a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, “In preparation for the visit, President Tinubu has already dispatched the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the Inspector General of Police, heads of intelligence agencies, the National Security Adviser, and the Chairmen of the Senate and House Defence Committees to Benue State. The President is expected to hold a town hall meeting with all stakeholders during the visit.”
Critics including Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi had earlier faulted the President for not visiting the North-Central state despite the killings by violent marauders.
Benue has long suffered attacks attributed to suspected herdsmen, reportedly due to communal disputes and competition over land between indigenous farmers and nomadic cattle rearers.
In recent weeks, the violence has intensified, with over 160 deaths recorded in various parts of the state due to these attacks.
Widespread Outrage
Pope Leo XIV condemned the latest killings, describing them as a “terrible massacre” and an act of “extreme cruelty.” The attacks have triggered widespread protests and public discontent over the government’s handling of the crisis.
Opposition leaders Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi have continued to criticise the government’s security efforts, calling for more decisive action to protect citizens.
On Sunday, Tinubu instructed security chiefs to enforce his directive to restore peace and stability in Benue.
By Monday, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, had arrived in the state alongside top police officials and ordered the deployment of additional tactical units.
He also planned to meet with Governor Hyacinth Alia and other key figures before returning to Abuja.
Governor Alia expressed condolences to those who lost loved ones, were displaced, or lost farmland in the attacks, and promised to collaborate with the Federal Government to end the bloodshed.
