Amid growing outrage over brutal killings in Benue State, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected to visit the state tomorrow (Wednesday) in a high-stakes move aimed at addressing the escalating violence that has claimed at least 147 lives in recent weeks.
According to Governor Hyacinth Alia, 127 victims have already been buried, with more bodies yet to be laid to rest. The governor described the President’s visit as a “soothing balm” and a strong message that the state has not been forgotten.
President Tinubu reportedly adjusted his schedule—postponing a planned trip to Kaduna—to prioritize Benue. He is expected to hold a town hall meeting with traditional rulers, community leaders, youth representatives, and civil society groups in a bid to craft localized solutions to the crisis.
Ahead of the visit, Tinubu dispatched a powerful delegation to assess the situation on the ground. The team includes Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) George Akume, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, military chiefs, and chairmen of the Defence Committees in the National Assembly.
Speaking on Monday, the President offered his condolences to grieving families, urging Benue residents to “consciously maintain peace and harmony.” He stressed the need to manage communal anger, embrace national unity, and resist efforts to divide the country along ethnic lines.
Governor Alia stirred debate by asserting that many of the attackers are foreign fighters—not just herders. “They are heavily armed, move without cattle, and speak no known Nigerian language,” he said in a televised interview. He blamed porous borders shared with Cameroon, Taraba, and Nasarawa States for the influx of these militants.
The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) and the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) have both condemned the attacks, calling them “barbaric” and urging stronger security measures. In response, the IGP has deployed more personnel to join existing forces in the troubled areas. He visited Yelwata community alongside Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, who promised swift military action to restore peace.
SGF Akume, himself a Benue native, described the killings as “a deep wound to the soul of our nation.” He emphasized that the root causes of the conflict are largely economic and not religious, and assured that relief from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) is on the way.
General Musa also acknowledged that some military personnel had previously compromised their duties, but said those individuals are no longer in service. He admitted there may be “insiders” aiding the attackers but vowed that the military is determined to end the bloodshed.
Former Attorney-General Mike Aondoakaa called for unity, stressing that the enemy does not discriminate by tribe or political affiliation. “This is the time for all leaders—regardless of background—to act as one,” he said.
