Tinubu arrives in Benue, to visit Yelwata community

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu arrived in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, on Wednesday afternoon in a crucial move to address the spate of violent attacks that have ravaged the state in recent days.

Touching down at the Tactical Air Command, Nigerian Air Force Base in Makurdi around 12:58 pm, the president’s visit marks a determined push to restore peace and security to the troubled region.

In a statement by Presidential Spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu’s presence underscores his administration’s serious commitment to ending the violence that has left many families bereaved and communities in ruins. The president is expected to hold a town hall-style meeting involving key traditional rulers, religious leaders, community representatives, youth groups, and political stakeholders. The aim is to foster frank dialogue and chart a peaceful course forward for the state.

Ahead of the visit, a federal government delegation including the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the Inspector-General of Police, heads of intelligence agencies, the National Security Adviser, and chairmen of the Senate and House Defence Committees had arrived in Benue to assess the volatile security situation. They have been holding strategy sessions with state officials, security agencies, and community leaders to lay the groundwork for the president’s engagement.

President Tinubu had earlier condemned the wave of killings, particularly in Guma Local Government Area, which reportedly claimed over 200 lives. He also directed security chiefs to swiftly implement measures to stabilise the state and restore law and order.

In light of this, the president rescheduled a planned trip to Kaduna State, where he was initially billed to commission several projects on Thursday. That visit will now hold after his engagements in Benue.

Tinubu expressed deep sympathy to families of the victims and reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to bring an end to insecurity not only in Benue but also in other conflict-prone areas across Nigeria.