President Bola Ahmed Tinubu arrived in Benue State on Wednesday in response to the ongoing wave of brutal killings that have devastated several communities, most notably Yelwata in Guma Local Government Area.
His visit comes amid national mourning and growing public anger over the spate of violence that has reportedly claimed over a hundred lives in recent weeks.
Touching down at exactly 12:58 p.m. at the Tactical Air Command of the Nigerian Air Force Base in Makurdi, the President’s presence in the state was seen as a significant and symbolic step, marking his first on-ground intervention in Benue since the renewed escalation of violence.
The visit is widely perceived as a critical test of his administration’s resolve to address Nigeria’s deepening security crisis, particularly in regions plagued by herder-farmer clashes, banditry, and communal unrest.
During the visit, President Tinubu is scheduled to tour the most affected areas, especially the grief-stricken community of Yelwata, which has become the tragic epicenter of recent attacks.
He is also expected to hold a series of closed-door meetings with traditional rulers, community leaders, local government officials, and senior security personnel. These consultations are aimed at devising actionable strategies to restore peace and prevent further bloodshed.
To honour the President’s arrival and allow citizens to witness the proceedings, the Benue State Government declared Wednesday a public holiday. This gesture was intended not only to facilitate community participation but also to underscore the importance of the visit in the broader quest for justice and healing.
The Yelwata massacre, the latest in a series of gruesome attacks, has drawn sharp condemnation from across the country. Civil society groups, political leaders, and human rights advocates have all called on the federal government to act decisively.
Mounting pressure on the presidency to ensure accountability, safeguard lives, and deploy sustainable security measures has intensified over recent days.
With the eyes of the nation fixed on Benue, President Tinubu’s visit is expected to either reassure Nigerians of the government’s commitment to ending the carnage or further intensify scrutiny should concrete actions fail to follow. For many victims and their families, justice and security remain the most urgent demands.