By Terhemen Mbachirin
President Bola Tinubu will visit Makurdi, the Benue State capital, on Wednesday, seven years after his predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari, made a similar visit about 10 weeks following a New Year’s Day massacre where over 70 people were killed by suspected herdsmen.
Last Saturday, over 200 persons were reported killed in related circumstances in an escalating violent conflict in Yelewata village.
The renewed attacks have included mass killings, arson, and displacement, with survivors in Internally Displaced Persons camps (IDPs) facing inadequate medical care, with property worth millions of naira destroyed.
Former President Buhari visited the ‘food basket’ State on March 12, 2018, about 10 weeks after the massacre in Logo and Guma local government areas, as well as a week after the Omusu killings in Okpokwu local government area of the state.
Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to the President, Bayo Onanuga, stated that during his visit to Benue, Tinubu will meet discourse with Governor ia and all stakeholders—including traditional rulers, political leaders, religious figures, community representatives, and youth groups—to work towards lasting solutions to the ongoing hostilities.
“The President’s visit aims to assess firsthand the recurring crisis that has claimed numerous lives and caused significant destruction.
“In preparation for the visit, President Tinubu has already dispatched the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the Inspector General of Police, heads of intelligence agencies, the National Security Adviser, and the Chairmen of the Senate and House Defence Committees to Benue State,” the presidential spokesman said.
President Tinubu postponed his official visit to Kaduna State on Wednesday and instead, chose to travel to Benue as part of renewed efforts to promote peace and tackle the ongoing conflict impacting communities in the state.
The President previously condemned the ongoing violence and called on all leaders and residents to embrace peace, love, and mutual understanding.
He also extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and to all those who have suffered losses as a result of the crisis.
The Benue state Governor Alia, has since condemned the recent massacre, describing the attack by the suspected armed herdsmen as a gross violation of human dignity.
Governor Alia also expressed deep sympathy for the victims and assured that the state government will remain actively collaborative with federal security agencies, traditional rulers, and community leaders to strengthen security and find lasting solutions to the violence.
Hundreds of youths on Monday converged on the Wurukum Food Basket roundabout in Makurdi, blocking major roads and demanding urgent government action to end the killings.
