President Bola Tinubu has announced that he will visit Benue State on Wednesday to pay a condolence visit to the people affected by the recent attacks in the Yelewata community.
“I will adjust my programme and go see Benue people on Wednesday,” Tinubu said on Monday when he inaugurated the Greater Abuja Water Supply Network in the nation’s capital.
The President also sympathised with the people of the state and those who lost their loved ones in the attacks.
The visit comes after widespread outrage and criticism from opposition leaders and citizens over the government’s handling of the security crisis.
Scores of residents were killed in a vicious attack by suspected herdsmen on the border town of Yelewata in Benue State last Friday.
Benue State has been under heavy attacks by suspected herdsmen for some time, with inter-communal conflicts and land dominance being cited as underlying causes.
During his visit, President Tinubu is expected to meet with all stakeholders, including traditional rulers, political, religious, community leaders, and youth groups, to seek lasting solutions to the hostilities.
The President is expected to hold a town hall meeting with stakeholders to discuss the security situation and potential solutions.
In preparation for the visit, President Tinubu has dispatched a team of officials, including the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the Inspector General of Police, and other security chiefs, to Benue State.
The President has directed security chiefs to implement his earlier directive to bring lasting peace and security to Benue State.
The Inspector General of Police has visited Benue State, meeting with Governor Hyacinth Alia and deploying additional tactical teams to contain the situation.
President Tinubu has urged the people of Benue State to manage their diversity, anger, and frustration and live as one united people.
Pope Leo XIV has condemned the recent “terrible massacre” in Benue, describing it as “extreme cruelty”.
The killings have attracted widespread protests and national outrage, with many Nigerians expressing disappointment with the government’s handling of the situation.
