Benue Killings: President Tinubu Visits Injured Victims at Teaching Hospital

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday visited victims of the deadly herders’ attack on Yelewata, Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, who are currently receiving treatment at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH), Makurdi. The President’s visit comes less than a week after the brutal assault that left over 100 people dead and dozens severely wounded.

President Tinubu, who touched down at the Nigerian Air Force Base in Makurdi at approximately 12:58 p.m., proceeded directly to the hospital to assess the condition of survivors. He was accompanied by Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume; Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia; and Senate Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro. The President Tinubu interacted briefly with some of the victims, offering words of consolation and solidarity while assuring them that justice would be served.

A Scene of Grief and Resilience at the Teaching Hospital

At the Benue State University Teaching Hospital, the atmosphere was one of pain, resilience, and cautious hope. Several wards were occupied by victims of the attack, many with gunshot wounds and traumatic injuries. Doctors and nurses worked diligently to attend to the wounded, some of whom are in critical condition.

President Tinubu, visibly moved by the scenes, commended the hospital staff for their dedication and swift response to the humanitarian crisis. “The pain you are going through is not yours alone; it is our collective burden,” President Tinubu said to one of the victims. “We will not forget you, and we will not let this evil prevail.” He promised that the federal government would foot all medical bills of the victims and provide support for families of those who lost their lives.

Stakeholders Meeting at Government House to Address the Crisis

Following his visit to the hospital, President Tinubu convened a high-level stakeholders’ meeting at the New Banquet Hall of the Benue State Government House. The gathering aimed to deliberate on the root causes of the recurring violence in Benue and explore concrete strategies for a permanent resolution. President Tinubu was joined by governors from North Central states, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, service chiefs, members of the National Assembly, and leaders of affected communities.

The President Tinubu emphasized the urgency of addressing the herder-farmer conflict in Nigeria, particularly in agrarian states like Benue. “This is not just a Benue problem, it is a national security and humanitarian challenge,” he said. He urged community leaders, security agencies, and political actors to work collaboratively and ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice while preventing further violence.

Renewed Calls for Security and Justice in Benue

The massacre in Yelewata has once again highlighted the fragility of security in Nigeria’s rural regions. Community leaders and representatives from affected localities expressed frustration over what they described as recurring cycles of violence, government inaction, and inadequate security presence in vulnerable areas. They urged President Tinubu to overhaul the current security architecture to prioritize rural safety and intelligence gathering.

In response, the President Tinubu pledged to increase military and police deployment to crisis-prone regions in Benue and across the Middle Belt. He also announced plans to set up a special intervention fund to support internally displaced persons (IDPs), rebuild destroyed communities, and enhance agricultural resilience, which has been severely impacted by the conflict.

President Tinubu and Regional Leaders Rally Behind Benue

The President Tinubu’s visit drew solidarity from a broad spectrum of political, religious, and traditional leaders. Among those present were key figures from the All Progressives Congress (APC), opposition lawmakers, and state officials. Many described the President Tinubu’s visit as a strong symbolic gesture and a critical first step towards healing and accountability.

Senator George Akume, a native of Benue and current SGF, praised President Tinubu’s leadership and commitment to the people of the state. “We now have a President who listens, who acts, and who stands by his people in times of pain,” he said. Governor Hyacinth Alia also expressed appreciation for the PresidentTinubu ’s presence and called for coordinated efforts to restore peace to Benue’s devastated communities.

As the nation grapples with the aftermath of the Yelewata tragedy, hopes remain that President Tinubu’s visit and the promises made will translate into tangible actions to end the bloodshed and restore peace to the region.