Date: June 18, 2025
By: Kuchali Jonathan
In the wake of one of the deadliest attacks in Benue State’s recent history, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu made an emotional and high-profile visit to the state capital, Makurdi, today, June 18, 2025. This visit follows the horrific massacre in Yelwata, where reports indicate that over 150 people lost their lives in a brutal night of violence believed to be carried out by armed herdsmen.
A Somber Arrival
President Tinubu arrived at the Nigerian Air Force Tactical Air Base in Makurdi at exactly 12:58 PM. His decision to visit Benue came after postponing an earlier trip to Kaduna, signaling the severity of the crisis at hand. The Benue State Government declared a public holiday in honor of the visit. However, this move received mixed reactions, as schoolchildren were seen standing in the rain to welcome the president, a gesture that some criticized as insensitive.
Human Touch Amid Tragedy
Immediately upon arrival, Tinubu visited the Benue State University Teaching Hospital, where he met survivors and families of those injured in the Yelwata massacre. Eyewitnesses described the moment as deeply emotional, with some family members breaking into tears as the President offered his condolences.
Town-Hall Meeting with Stakeholders
President Tinubu later held a closed-door town hall meeting at the Government House Banquet Hall in Makurdi. In attendance were
The Inspector General of Police (IGP)
Chief of Defence Staff (CDS)
National Security Adviser (NSA)
Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF)
Northern-Central governors
Senators and House of Representatives members
Traditional rulers, religious leaders, and youth representatives
During the meeting, Tinubu didn’t mince words. He directly challenged the IGP and CDS, questioning their failure to apprehend the perpetrators. “We cannot allow killers to roam free,” he declared.
Strong Directives and Promises
The President issued key directives:
Immediate intelligence-driven military and police operations to arrest the killers.
Allocation of land in Benue for cattle ranching to end the farmer–herder conflict.
Establishment of a peace committee made up of past governors, traditional rulers, and other stakeholders to foster long-term dialogue.
He further instructed Governor Hyacinth Alia to work hand-in-hand with federal agencies in implementing sustainable peace strategies.
Traditional Rulers Speak Out
In one of the most powerful moments of the meeting, the Tor Tiv and other traditional leaders described the killings not merely as communal clashes but as “a well-organized genocidal land grab.” Their testimonies brought a somber weight to the meeting, leaving many attendees visibly moved.
Reactions from the Public and Political Class
The Senate, in a show of solidarity, offered to accompany Tinubu on the visit. Lawmakers have also called for a national security summit to address the broader issue of rural insecurity in Nigeria.
Peter Obi, former presidential candidate, praised the visit but reminded the government that words must be backed by action. “Nigerians are tired of condolences without consequences,” he said.
While many applauded the president’s courage and concern, others criticized aspects of the visit, especially the political undertone of mobilizing schoolchildren in the rain for optics.
What Lies Ahead?
The people of Benue are hopeful but cautious. This is not the first time a Nigerian president has visited after an attack but it must be the last time such massacres happen without justice.
Security agencies now have a clear mandate. Families are waiting. Survivors are watching. And the nation holds its breath.
Conclusion
President Tinubu’s visit to Benue is a bold and timely step toward justice and healing. However, its true value lies in what happens next. If the directives given translate into real action—arrests, peacebuilding, and security—then perhaps the people of Yelwata will not have died in vain.
