Killings in Benue: President Tinubu Visits Victims, Meets Stakeholders Amid Growing Outrage
President Tinubu Visits Benue Foling Deadly Yelwata Attack
President Bola Tinubu has arrived in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, as tensions remain high following the brutal attack on Yelwata community in Guma Local Government Area. His visit marks a significant federal response to the surge in violence across the state.
Touching down at the Tactical Air Command of the Nigerian Air Force Base at approximately 12:58 p.m., the President was received by state officials amid a public holiday declared to mark his visit.
After his arrival, the President proceeded to the Benue State University Teaching Hospital, where he met with survivors and families of those injured in the attack, offering words of comfort and solidarity.
Stakeholder Meeting to Address Crisis
The highlight of the President’s visit is a high-level town hall meeting at the Benue State Government House Banquet Hall in Makurdi. The meeting brings together key stakeholders including:
Governor Hyacinth Alia
National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu
Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume
Service Chiefs and Security Commanders
National Assembly members from Benue
Traditional and religious leaders
Political leaders and APC National Working Committee members
Local Government Chairmen and members of the Benue State House of Assembly
The President is expected to engage directly with displaced families, community leaders, and representatives of affected communities to seek a lasting solution to the escalating violence.
A History of Bloodshed: Renewed Attacks Rock Benue
The President’s visit follows the most recent tragedy in Yelwata, where suspected armed herders reportedly killed at least 59 people and displaced over 3,000. However, local sources claim the death toll could be much higher possibly exceeding 200.
This latest incident adds to a series of relentless attacks Benue has faced this year alone. Here’s a snapshot of the carnage:
June 2025: 33 killed in coordinated attacks in Gwer West and Apa LGAs.
April 2025: 72 murdered in Ukum and Logo LGAs after simultaneous attacks by armed groups.
April 2025: 11 slain in Otobi community, Otukpo LGA, with houses razed and residents injured.
February 2025: 6 killed in another Otukpo assault across Okpamaju and Asa settlements.
The surge in violence, mostly in rural communities, has displaced thousands and heightened ethnic and religious tensions in one of Nigeria’s most diverse regions.
National and Global Condemnation
The killings have drawn nationwide and international condemnation. From opposition leaders to the Catholic Pontiff, Pope Leo XIV, voices across the globe have demanded urgent intervention.
Mass protests have erupted in parts of Benue, with angry youths demanding an end to the cycle of violence and more decisive federal action.
Military Steps In: ‘We Will Hunt Them Down’
Responding to the President’s directive, Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa has vowed to root out those responsible for the bloodshed.
“We must find out where they are. We must go after them. We shouldn’t wait until they come to attack people,” General Musa told traditional leaders during a meeting in Makurdi.
He confirmed intelligence had revealed locations where armed groups were gathering, and military operations would be launched to dislodge them immediately.
NSA: Benue Will Not Stand Alone
Earlier in April, NSA Nuhu Ribadu visited Makurdi following a series of deadly attacks in Katsina-Ala, Ukum, and Logo LGAs. Speaking during the stakeholders’ forum, Ribadu assured residents that the federal government remains fully committed to ending the killings.
“What happened is an act of evil. But when evil rises, good people must unite. We will solve this together,” Ribadu said. “Benue is a vital part of Nigeria. You are not alone.”
Conclusion: Searching for Peace Amid Pain
President Tinubu’s visit underscores the urgency of the situation in Benue, where years of unchecked violence have decimated rural communities and strained ethnic relations.
With federal forces now mobilized and top leaders pledging swift action, many residents are cautiously hopeful. But for true peace to take root, observers say more than military intervention is needed there must be justice, reconciliation, and long-term support for displaced communities.
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