President Tinubu Visits Yelwata Attack Victims in Benue State Amid Flood Delays and Controversy
Makurdi, Benue State – On June 18, 2025, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu visited survivors of the tragic Yelewata attacks at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH) in Makurdi, demonstrating a gesture of solidarity and compassion for the victims and their families. The visit came in the wake of a devastating assault in the Yelewata community, located in Guma Local Government Area, which reportedly claimed at least 59 lives, leaving the region in mourning and highlighting the persistent security challenges in Nigeria’s Middle Belt.
The Yelewata attack, attributed to suspected armed herders, has reignited concerns over the recurring violence in Benue State, a region long plagued by clashes between farmers and herders. The scale of the tragedy prompted swift action from the federal government, with President Tinubu prioritizing a visit to assess the situation firsthand and offer condolences to the affected community. Accompanied by senior state officials, including Governor Hyacinth Alia, the president arrived at BSUTH to meet with survivors receiving treatment for injuries sustained during the attack.
Tinubu’s itinerary included a tour of the hospital wards, where he interacted with victims, medical staff, and families, assuring them of the federal government’s commitment to addressing insecurity in the region. He expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and promised enhanced security measures to prevent future attacks. “The pain of this community is the pain of the entire nation,” Tinubu said during his visit. “We stand with you, and we will work tirelessly to ensure justice and safety for all.”
Beyond the hospital visit, President Tinubu’s schedule included a town hall meeting with stakeholders in Makurdi, aimed at discussing the root causes of the violence and exploring sustainable solutions. The meeting brought together community leaders, security agencies, and civil society representatives to address the ongoing farmer-herder conflicts and other security challenges in Benue State.
However, the president’s visit was not without complications. Heavy flooding in parts of Benue State delayed his arrival, as torrential rains rendered some roads impassable. The floods, which have affected several communities in the state, added another layer of complexity to the region’s challenges, with relief efforts already stretched thin. Despite these logistical hurdles, Tinubu’s administration emphasized the importance of his presence to boost morale and signal federal support.
The visit also sparked some controversy. Reports emerged alleging that the Benue State government had planned a “colorful welcome” for the president, complete with cultural displays and fanfare. Critics, including local activists and opposition figures, condemned the move as insensitive given the somber context of the visit. “How can we be talking about celebrations when our people are lying dead and others are fighting for their lives in hospitals?” asked a community leader in Guma, speaking on condition of anonymity. The state government denied the allegations, stating that no such plans were in place and that arrangements were kept minimal and respectful.
The Yelewata attack is part of a broader pattern of violence in Benue State, where disputes over land use, grazing rights, and ethnic tensions have fueled deadly conflicts for years. The state has repeatedly called for stronger federal intervention, including the establishment of state police and the deployment of additional security forces to curb the violence. Tinubu’s visit, while symbolic, has renewed hope among some residents that concrete action will follow.
As the president concluded his visit, he reiterated his administration’s commitment to tackling insecurity across Nigeria. “We cannot continue to lose lives to senseless violence,” he stated. “My government is working on comprehensive strategies to bring peace and stability to every corner of this country.” The federal government has promised to provide additional support to the victims, including medical aid and rehabilitation for displaced families.
The Yelewata tragedy and Tinubu’s response have once again brought national attention to the security crisis in Benue State. As the region grapples with both the aftermath of the attack and the challenges posed by flooding, all eyes are on the federal and state governments to deliver on their promises of justice, security, and recovery for the people of Yelewata and beyond.
