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A Step Toward Addressing Insecurity or a Political Gesture?
On Wednesday, June 18, 2025, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu made a highly publicized visit to Benue State, Nigeria, in response to the escalating violence that has plagued the region, particularly the recent massacre in Yelwata community, Guma Local Government Area. The visit, which included stops at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital and a stakeholders’ meeting at the Government House Banquet Hall, was both a gesture of condolence and an attempt to address the persistent insecurity that has claimed hundreds of lives in the state. However, the visit has sparked mixed reactions, with some praising the president’s engagement and others dismissing it as a political move amid growing public outrage. This blog post delves into the details of Tinubu’s visit, its implications, and the broader context of insecurity in Benue State.
The Context: A State Under Siege
Benue State, often referred to as Nigeria’s “Food Basket,” has been a flashpoint for violent conflicts, primarily driven by clashes between farmers and herders, banditry, and communal disputes. The recent attack in Yelwata, which occurred on Friday, June 13, 2025, was particularly devastating, with reports estimating over 200 deaths and numerous injuries. Suspected herders invaded the community in a coordinated assault, splitting into three groups to maximize destruction. The scale of the massacre drew national and international condemnation, including from Pope Leo XIV and prominent Nigerian figures like Peter Obi and Yul Edochie.
The Yelwata attack was not an isolated incident. In May 2025, another attack claimed 42 lives across four communities in Benue, highlighting the cyclical nature of violence in the region. These recurring atrocities have fueled public frustration, with many criticizing the federal government’s perceived inaction. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) described the Benue killings as “another horrifying chapter” under the All Progressives Congress (APC) government, accusing President Tinubu of a “lethargic approach to security.” Against this backdrop, Tinubu’s visit was seen as a critical moment to demonstrate leadership and commitment to resolving the crisis.
The Visit: A Packed Itinerary
President Tinubu arrived at the Tactical Air Command of the Nigerian Air Force Base in Makurdi at 12:58 p.m. on June 18, 2025, accompanied by Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia and other top government officials. His first stop was the Benue State University Teaching Hospital, where he visited survivors of the Yelwata massacre. Images from the visit showed the president interacting with injured victims, a move intended to convey empathy and solidarity.
Following the hospital visit, Tinubu proceeded to the new Banquet Hall at the Benue State Government House, where he held a closed-door meeting with key stakeholders, including traditional rulers, political leaders, security chiefs, and community representatives. The discussions focused on finding lasting solutions to the security crisis, with Tinubu emphasizing the need for Nigerians to “learn how to share and accommodate” and highlighting the availability of land to “feed and raise our children.” He also issued a directive to service chiefs and the Inspector General of Police to apprehend the perpetrators of the Yelwata attack, expressing frustration over the lack of arrests.
The Benue State government declared June 18 a public holiday to honor the president’s visit, urging residents to give him a “rousing welcome.” However, this decision sparked controversy, with some criticizing the festive tone as insensitive given the scale of the tragedy.
Public Reactions: Hope, Skepticism, and Anger
Tinubu’s visit elicited a wide range of responses from Nigerians, reflecting the polarized sentiments surrounding his administration’s handling of insecurity.
Praise and Optimism
Some commended the president for taking a hands-on approach. The state government’s decision to declare a public holiday was framed as a gesture of respect and an opportunity for residents to engage with the president’s intervention. Supporters argued that Tinubu’s presence in Benue, coupled with his directive to security agencies, signaled a renewed commitment to tackling the crisis. The Tor Tiv V, James Ayatse, a prominent traditional ruler, used the occasion to appeal for peace and urged the president to address what he described as a “genocidal invasion and land-grabbing campaign” by herder terrorists.
Criticism and Skepticism
On the other hand, critics dismissed the visit as a political gesture aimed at deflecting public outrage rather than addressing the root causes of insecurity. Security expert Dr. Kabiru Adamu described the visit as a “political approach” rather than a substantive security strategy, pointing out the failure to convene the National Security Council or develop a comprehensive plan to tackle the crisis. Posts on X echoed this sentiment, with users like @agupard_a criticizing Tinubu’s “casual tone” in announcing the visit, framing it as a favor to Benue residents. Others, like @TosinOlugbenga, condemned the state government’s plan to welcome Tinubu with “dancing and parades,” calling it “unbelievable” given the recent loss of lives.
Anger was particularly pronounced among Benue youths, who took to the streets to remove APC flags during the visit, a symbolic act of frustration with the ruling party. Protests with placards reading “A Cry For Help: Stop Benue Killings” had already disrupted traffic on the Abuja-Makurdi highway days earlier, underscoring the depth of public discontent.
Calls for Broader Action
Former presidential candidate Peter Obi, while thanking Tinubu for visiting Benue, urged him to extend similar gestures to Niger State, where over 200 people were killed in a recent flooding disaster. Obi’s comments highlighted a broader demand for the president to address multiple crises simultaneously, rather than focusing on isolated visits.
The Bigger Picture: Insecurity in Nigeria
Tinubu’s visit to Benue must be viewed within the broader context of Nigeria’s worsening security landscape. The PDP claimed that over 600,000 Nigerians have been killed in the past two years due to banditry, terrorism, and communal clashes, with Benue being one of the hardest-hit regions. Security expert Dr. Adamu noted a 49% increase in abductions over the past four years, underscoring the growing threat to public safety.
The Benue crisis is often linked to farmer-herder conflicts, fueled by competition over land and resources. However, the Tor Tiv’s assertion that the violence constitutes a “genocidal invasion” challenges the narrative of mere clashes, suggesting a more deliberate and systematic campaign. This perspective aligns with calls for stronger security deployments and structural reforms, such as state policing, to address the crisis.
Tinubu’s administration has faced mounting pressure to deliver on its promises of improved security. Critics argue that the president’s focus on politics and re-election in 2027 has overshadowed urgent governance challenges. The Benue visit, while a step toward engagement, has not quelled these criticisms, particularly given the absence of concrete policy announcements during the trip.
Challenges and Controversies
Several issues marred the visit, adding to the complexity of Tinubu’s intervention:
- Flood Delay: Reports indicated that a heavy flood on the Lafia-Makurdi highway delayed the president’s convoy, highlighting the poor state of infrastructure in the region. This incident underscored the broader challenges of governance and development in Nigeria’s North-Central zone.
- Allegations of Insensitivity: The decision to declare a public holiday and mobilize residents for a “rousing welcome” drew sharp criticism. Comedian Efe Warriboy accused Governor Alia of “mocking Benue people” with the festive arrangements. Similarly, allegations that schoolchildren were forced to line the streets in the rain to welcome Tinubu triggered public anger.
- Political Tensions: The removal of APC flags by Benue youths and protests against the visit reflected deep-seated frustration with the ruling party. These actions suggest that Tinubu’s administration faces an uphill battle in rebuilding trust in the region.
What’s Next for Benue?
Tinubu’s visit has raised expectations for tangible action to address Benue’s security crisis. His directive to security agencies to apprehend the perpetrators of the Yelwata attack is a positive step, but its success will depend on implementation. The stakeholders’ meeting, while a platform for dialogue, must translate into actionable policies to prevent future attacks.
Long-term solutions will require addressing the root causes of the conflict, including land disputes, resource competition, and weak security infrastructure. The Tor Tiv’s call for a reevaluation of the “farmer-herder clash” narrative could pave the way for a more nuanced approach to the crisis. Additionally, investments in infrastructure, such as the Lafia-Makurdi highway, and support for displaced communities are critical to restoring stability.
For President Tinubu, the Benue visit is a litmus test of his administration’s ability to tackle insecurity. With public sentiment divided and pressure mounting, the coming months will be crucial in determining whether this visit marks a turning point or merely another chapter in Nigeria’s ongoing struggle with violence.
Conclusion
President Tinubu’s visit to Benue State on June 18, 2025, was a significant moment in Nigeria’s ongoing battle against insecurity. While it offered a platform for condolence and dialogue, it also exposed deep-seated frustrations with the government’s approach to governance and security. For the people of Benue, who have endured years of violence, the visit represents both hope and skepticism—hope for meaningful change and skepticism about the political will to deliver it. As the nation watches, the onus is on Tinubu’s administration to move beyond gestures and implement solutions that bring lasting peace to Benue and beyond.
