President Bola Tinubu has visited survivors of the Yelewata massacre in Benue State, offering comfort and renewing federal commitment toward restoring security in the region.
Arriving in Makurdi at approximately 12:58 pm on Wednesday, Tinubu touched down at the Nigeria Air Force Base, where he was welcomed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, the Governor Hyacinth Alia, the Senate Minority Leader, Abba Moro, and other federal and state officials. He then proceeded to the Benue State University Teaching Hospital to console injured survivors of the attack perpetrated by armed herders in Yelewata community, Guma LGA—a tragic strike that claimed at least 100 lives, with some estimates reaching 150 fatalities.
Tinubu expressed deep sorrow over the “senseless bloodletting” and urged security agencies to pursue the perpetrators with vigor. During a town hall meeting at the Government House, he instructed the Chief of Defence Staff to intensify operations. “Let’s get those criminals. Let’s get them out,” he said, stressing the urgency of delivering justice and ensuring preventive action against further attacks.
In response to the massacre, Governor Alia declared a public holiday for Tinubu’s visit and facilitated a gathering of traditional rulers, security chiefs (including the Chief of Defence Staff and Inspector-General of Police), ministers, and regional governors for a joint strategy session.. The meeting focused on crafting a sustainable and holistic response to the persistent herder-farmer violence plaguing Benue and neighbouring communities.
The middle-belt state has endured multiple similar incidents this year, including attacks in Gwer West, Apa, Ukum, Logo, and Otukpo, resulting in dozens of deaths and mass displacement . These recurrent flare-ups have alarmed human rights groups and civil society, with Amnesty International reporting numerous burnings of homes and markets, alongside hundreds of casualties and thousands uprooted.
