President Bola Tinubu has arrived in Benue State for a critical on-the-spot assessment following the spate of killings in the state, particularly in the Yelwata community of Guma Local Government Area.
The President landed at the Tactical Air Command of the Nigerian Air Force Base in Makurdi at exactly 12:58 pm on Wednesday, to begin his official engagement with stakeholders and residents affected by the violent attacks.
His visit comes amid heightened concerns over recurring communal clashes and security breaches in parts of Benue, which have resulted in significant loss of lives and displacement of communities.
To honour the President’s visit and allow residents to participate in scheduled engagements, the Benue State Government declared Wednesday a public holiday.
A source in the presidency confirmed that the President would meet with traditional rulers, community leaders, security chiefs, and other critical stakeholders during his stay. The discussions are expected to focus on long-term solutions to the insecurity plaguing the region.
Reacting to the visit, a senior government official in the state said, “This is a sign that the President is taking the issue seriously. The people of Benue have cried out, and today, they are being heard at the highest level.”
Although the full itinerary of the visit has not been released, it is believed that President Tinubu may also visit victims of the recent attacks or their families in Yelwata.