Tinubu visits victims of Yelewata attacks amid public criticism
Victims of Yelewata attacks in Benue State been visited by Mr President and state’s officials. Photo Credit- Punch/X
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu arrived in Benue State today to visit victims of the recent devastating attack in the Yelewata community, where gunmen killed at least 150 people over the weekend, according to survivors and the local farmers’ union. The visit, confirmed by Governor Hyacinth Alia’s Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, marks a significant gesture of solidarity following the violent invasion by suspected armed herdsmen on Friday night, which left homes burned and dozens missing.
The President, accompanied by state officials, toured a hospital in Makurdi where injured victims, including a child with a severely injured arm, are receiving treatment. However, the visit was overshadowed by a striking moment captured in photographs: a woman, believed to be a relative of a victim, turned away from the dignitaries with a visibly dismissive gesture, sparking widespread commentary on social media. Her reaction has been interpreted as a reflection of local frustration with the government’s response to the ongoing herder-farmer conflict, which has claimed over 1,043 lives in the state since May 2023, according to security analyst Kabir Adamu of Beacon Security and Intelligence Limited.
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Governor Alia welcomed Tinubu, describing the visit as a “powerful gesture of empathy” and an opportunity to reinforce federal commitment to restoring peace in Benue, dubbed the “Food Basket of the Nation.” In a private meeting prior to the visit, Tinubu reportedly urged the governor to pursue reconciliation and dialogue as a political solution to the crisis, a stance Alia defended amid criticisms of federal inaction. The governor dismissed claims of abandonment, asserting that Tinubu’s support remains steadfast.
The attack on Yelewata, reported by the Vanguard, involved assailants storming the community, opening fire on sleeping villagers, and setting homes ablaze. Security forces have been deployed, with soldiers guarding the area ahead of the presidential visit. However, public sentiment on platforms like X suggests skepticism, with users labeling visiting officials as “looters” and “soulless men,” while some called for crowdfunding to support affected families directly.
Tinubu’s visit coincides with heightened tensions in the region, where the herder-farmer conflict has escalated due to competition for land and water, exacerbated by environmental stress and migration pressures. Analysts advocate for a combined security and economic approach, including sustained special forces deployment and increased grazing land allocation. As the President engages with local leaders, the focus remains on whether this visit will translate into tangible action to address Benue’s enduring security crisis.
