President Bola Tinubu will travel to Benue State on Wednesday as part of renewed efforts to foster peace and address the persistent conflict affecting communities in the state.
This was stated in a statement on Monday by his spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga.
The President’s visit aims to assess first-hand the recurring crisis that has claimed numerous lives and caused significant destruction.
Recall that The attack occurred in Yelwata, a border town between Benue and Nasarawa states, where suspected herdsmen reportedly stormed the community and massacred about 200 persons late Friday night.
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Meanwhile, Pope Leo XIV has condemned the recent killings in Benue State, describing the incident as a “terrible massacre” in which mostly displaced civilians were murdered with “extreme cruelty”.
Delivering his remarks before the Sunday Angelus prayer at the Vatican, the pontiff expressed deep concern over the ongoing violence in Nigeria and the suffering of affected communities.
The Pope prayed for “security, justice, and peace” to prevail in the country and offered special intercession for the rural Christian communities in Benue, whom he described as “relentless victims of violence.”
Already, former Vice President and 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, also condemned the killings.
In a statement on X, he said, “I am deeply anguished and shocked by the devastating news of the fresh attacks in Benue State, where over 100 innocent lives are feared lost. These killings, once again targeting defenceless communities, underscore the escalating insecurity crisis facing our nation.”
He called for a transparent investigation, enhanced security presence, and immediate humanitarian support for the affected communities, including medical and trauma care. “This is not just a local tragedy; it is a national emergency,” Atiku added.
Also, Peter Obi, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, has condemned the federal government for what he described as a troubling lack of empathy in the face of recent national tragedies, particularly the massacre of over 200 people in Benue State and the devastating floods in Niger State.
In a statement on Monday titled “What cannot be hidden in Leadership”, Obi expressed outrage that President Bola Tinubu has yet to physically visit any of the affected communities or publicly offer direct consolation to grieving families.
“Just days ago, over 200 Nigerians—innocent men, women, children, and even soldiers—were massacred in Benue State. Again, no presidential visit. No physical presence at the scenes of pain. No genuine national mourning. No leadership face to comfort the grieving or give hope to the people,” he said.
He also referenced the recent flooding in Niger State that claimed nearly 200 lives, lamenting the government’s silence and inaction.
“Yet, not even a single presidential visit, this in a nation where the scene of the tragedy is less than an hour away by helicopter,” he noted.
Obi accused the government of normalising leadership without human feeling or accountability. He compared Nigeria’s response to tragedies with that of other countries where presidents have shown up in person to demonstrate compassion.
“In India, after a plane crash killed nearly 200 people, the Prime Minister was physically at the scene within hours. In South Africa, when floods claimed 78 lives, the president went personally to the affected communities, stood with them, and took responsibility,” he said. “That is leadership with compassion. That is leadership that understands the value of human life.”
He argued that true leadership is measured not just by economic or political decisions but by the presence and empathy shown in times of crisis.
Using the moment to reflect on broader governance failures, Obi restated his long-held view that Nigeria’s leadership problems stem from a culture of voting based on tribe and religion rather than merit.
“Leadership of a nation is such that it’s either succeeding or failing, none can be hidden. There are critical areas of leadership that must exist for a nation to move forward, and these are summed up in four Cs: Competence, Capacity, Character and Compassion,” he said.
He called on Nigerians to reject sentimental voting and instead elect leaders who possess these qualities.
“Until we choose leaders on these principles, the cycle of pain will only continue. Nigeria does not just need another president; Nigeria needs a leader,” Obi said.
Angry Youths Protest
The massacre triggered protests in Makurdi, the Benue State capital. On Sunday, angry youths converged at the Wurukum food basket roundabout, demanding justice and condemning what they described as silence from both President Bola Tinubu and Governor Hyacinth Alia.
Activist Martin Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), joined the demonstrators.
One of the protesters, Solomon Amande, told journalists, “Women, children, the elderly – our people are being slaughtered, and there’s no word from the president or our own governor.”
The protest escalated when the Deputy Governor, Sam Ode, attempted to address the crowd but was rejected by the youths, who insisted on hearing directly from Governor Alia. Security forces eventually fired tear gas to disperse the demonstrators.
In response, Governor Alia, through his Chief Press Secretary, condemned the Yelwata attack and assured residents of the government’s commitment to restoring order.
“Federal tactical units have been deployed to Benue, with further reinforcements expected. The state’s joint operations are being strengthened, and we remain committed to defending the lives and properties of all residents,” the statement read.
The renewed attacks come on the heels of a series of unresolved massacres in April, which claimed the lives of over 150 people across Benue and Plateau states.
