President Tinubu visits victims of the Yelewata massacre in Benue, pledges action after over 59 killed in Fulani militia attack

President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday paid a condolence visit to survivors of last Friday’s deadly militia assault on Yelewata community in Benue State, North Central Nigeria.

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The attack, which left more than 59 people dead and many others injured, has triggered fresh concerns over the country’s worsening security crisis in rural areas.

Arriving at the Tactical Air Command of the Nigerian Air Force Base in Makurdi at 12:58 pm, the president was received by top state officials and immediately proceeded to the hospital where injured victims of the attack were being treated.

The sombre visit underscored the scale of devastation inflicted by the yet again unrepelled incursion of suspected Fulani militias into agrarian communities.

President Tinubu, visibly moved, interacted with survivors, offering words of comfort and a promise of decisive intervention. “We will not abandon Benue. The lives lost will not be in vain,” he said while meeting victims in the hospital ward.

We will not abandon Benue. The lives lost will not be in vain.

Afterwards, he proceeded to the new Banquet Hall at the Benue State Government House for a closed-door meeting with stakeholders.

The gathering included Governor Hyacinth Alia, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, North-Central governors, top military chiefs, National Assembly leaders, and community representatives.

The stakeholder session aimed at identifying actionable strategies to halt the recurring attacks, which have plagued the state for years and left thousands displaced.

The Benue State Government declared a public holiday to honour the visit, though the gesture was marred by criticism after pupils in Makurdi were reportedly made to line the streets in poor weather conditions to welcome the presidential convoy.

The Yelewata massacre, one of the deadliest in recent months, has reignited calls for accountability and urgent reform in Nigeria’s security architecture.

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While Tinubu’s visit marks a notable show of concern, affected communities continue to demand justice, compensation, and lasting peace.