President Bola Ahmed Tinubu touched down in Makurdi, the capital of Benue State, on Wednesday afternoon as part of a scheduled visit to the Yelwata community in Guma Local Government Area, which has been affected by a spate of violent attacks.
The presidential aircraft arrived at the Makurdi Airport, situated within the Tactical Air Command of the Nigerian Air Force Base, at approximately 12:58 p.m., where he was received by top government officials, military personnel, and dignitaries from the state.
The visit is expected to include closed-door meetings with prominent stakeholders, including political leaders, security heads, and community representatives, to discuss the ongoing security challenges in the region.
Over the past months, a series of violent incidents have claimed several lives in Yelwata and surrounding areas, prompting calls for urgent federal intervention.
President Tinubu’s visit underscores the administration’s concern over the deteriorating security situation and its intent to directly engage with affected communities to find sustainable solutions. He prepared for a high-level town hall meeting to be held at the Banquet Hall of the Benue State Government House.
The meeting will bring together a wide array of political, religious, and traditional leaders, including state governor Hyacinth Alia, governors from other North-Central states, and high-ranking officials such as the National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) George Akume.
Also expected to be present are service chiefs, federal lawmakers, members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Working Committee, and prominent leaders representing communities most affected by the recurring violence.
The gathering will include traditional rulers from diverse ethnic backgrounds in Benue, reflecting the importance of cultural leaders in efforts toward peacebuilding and reconciliation. Local government chairpersons from all 23 LGAs of the state, the Elders’ Council, and members of the Benue State House of Assembly are also slated to attend.
President Tinubu’s itinerary includes a direct meeting with victims and families affected by the recent attack in Yelwata, as well as other internally displaced persons and local community leaders. These consultations aim to build trust, gather first-hand accounts of the atrocities, and reinforce the federal government’s commitment to finding long-term solutions.
Last Friday’s deadly assault on Yelwata has heightened national concern, sparking protests by youth demanding a halt to the killings. In response, General Christopher Musa, the Chief of Defence Staff, issued strict orders to military commanders to actively hunt down those responsible for the violence. “We must find out where they are. We must go after them. And that’s the directive I’m giving my commanders,” Musa stated during a meeting with traditional leaders in Makurdi.
President Tinubu’s visit is not only symbolic but also operational, given the frequency and scale of violent attacks in Benue over the past few years. The state has seen a resurgence in herdsmen-related violence, with this year alone recording multiple fatal attacks. In June, coordinated strikes in Gwer West and Apa LGAs left 33 people dead. Two months earlier, in April, over 72 people were killed in Gbagir (Ukum LGA) and Logo LGA during simultaneous militia invasions.
That same month, the Otobi community in Otukpo LGA suffered another devastating blow when suspected herders killed 11 people and injured several others, razing numerous homes. Otukpo had previously experienced a similar assault in February, which left six people dead.
Following the April onslaughts in Katsina-Ala, Ukum, and Logo LGAs, the National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu visited Benue to deliver a message of solidarity and federal resolve. “What happened is a tragedy — an act of evil. But when evil comes, good people must unite to confront it. We will solve this problem together. Do not feel alone — this challenge affects us all,” Ribadu told stakeholders in Makurdi, reaffirming that Benue would not be left isolated in the face of adversity.
Despite various efforts, including the deployment of military forces and security interventions, attacks have continued with increased boldness and brutality. Many community members argue that the actual death tolls far exceed official figures, citing a growing humanitarian crisis across multiple LGAs in the state.
With President Tinubu’s visit now underway, attention turns to whether concrete solutions and actionable commitments will emerge from the high-level meetings. Citizens and observers alike are watching closely to see if this latest engagement will break the cycle of violence that has haunted Benue for too long.
What you should know
President Bola Tinubu has arrived in Makurdi for a high-level visit to Yelwata, a community in Benue State’s Guma LGA hit by deadly attacks. He plans to meet with state stakeholders to address the violence and evaluate federal response efforts.
