Benue Killings: Tinubu Visits Victims, Meets Stakeholders in Makurdi

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday visited Benue State in response to the recent wave of deadly attacks that have claimed dozens of lives and left several others injured.

The President arrived at the Tactical Air Command Base of the Nigerian Air Force in Makurdi at approximately 12:58 p.m., where he was received by top government officials and security personnel. His visit comes amid growing national concern over the escalating violence in the North-Central state.

Shortly after landing, Tinubu proceeded to visit victims of last Friday’s brutal attack in Yelwata community, located in Guma Local Government Area one of the hardest-hit areas during the recent attacks. The assault on Yelwata left over 59 people dead and many others injured.

Tinubu in the hospital ward where Yelewata attack victims are being treated. Photo: State House.

The President’s first stop was at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital, Makurdi, where he interacted with some of the injured victims receiving treatment.

Following the hospital visit, Tinubu moved to the New Banquet Hall of the Benue State Government House for a high-level meeting with key stakeholders. The meeting aimed to chart a sustainable path toward ending the cycle of violence and ensuring peace returns to the region.

According to the presidency, Tinubu “is expected to meet with families of victims, displaced and injured persons, and community leaders directly impacted by the violence.”

The meeting is part of a “broader effort to find a lasting solution to the crisis that has affected parts of the state, especially rural communities.”

Those expected at the stakeholders’ meeting included Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State; other governors from the North-Central region; National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume; service chiefs; key members of the National Assembly; and leaders of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), among other prominent figures.

In recognition of the President’s visit, the Benue State Government declared Wednesday a public holiday to enable citizens to participate in and support the events of the day.

CHANNELS/PUNCH