June 18, (THEWILL) – President Bola Tinubu has arrived in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, ahead of his visit to the Yelwata community, in the Guma Local Government Area of the state.
On Monday, the President rescheduled his official visit to Kaduna State for a crucial trip to Benue aimed at addressing the worsening security situation that has gripped the state.
The visit follows a wave of fresh attacks, including a deadly raid on Yelewata village in Guma Local Government Area that left many residents dead, scores injured, and hundreds displaced
The President arrived at the Makurdi Airport at about 12:58 pm on Wednesday.
While in Benue, President Tinubu is expected to meet with major stakeholders in the state in view of the violent attacks that have led to the loss of lives.
In what is being described as a high-level intervention, President Tinubu will begin his visit at Yelewata, where he is expected to meet with victims’ families, local leaders, and displaced residents directly affected by the most recent violence, reportedly carried out by armed herders.
The President will also visit a local hospital where survivors of the attack are receiving treatment—an act intended to convey compassion and signal the federal government’s commitment to protecting all Nigerians.
The visit will culminate in a high-powered stakeholders’ summit at the Benue State Government House Banquet Hall in Makurdi. The emergency meeting will bring together governors, service chiefs, the National Security Adviser, traditional rulers, lawmakers, and civil society leaders for a strategic dialogue on sustainable solutions to the persistent bloodshed in the region.
Top officials expected at the summit include the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), members of the APC National Working Committee, federal and state legislators, local government chairmen, and the Benue State Elders’ Council. Traditional rulers from across the state’s diverse ethnic groups are also billed to attend, given their vital role in grassroots peacebuilding.
Benue State, Nigeria’s “food basket”, has long struggled with deadly clashes between farmers and herders, with rural communities frequently targeted in violent incursions. Despite past military deployments and peace talks, attacks have continued, raising questions about the effectiveness of existing security strategies.
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