President Bola Tinubu touched down at the Nigerian Air Force Tactical Air Command Base in Makurdi at approximately 12:58 pm amid mounting national concern over recent bloodshed in Benue State.
His visit comes as authorities investigate a brutal assault claimed by suspected armed herders in the Yelwata area of Guma LGA, where more than 100 people were reportedly massacred late last Friday into Saturday. While initial estimates numbered around 100, survivor accounts and aid groups later reported up to 150 deaths.
The Benue State Government declared a public holiday for the day, in honour of the presidential visit.Upon arrival, Tinubu proceeded to Yelwata to meet grieving families and displaced persons true victims of escalating violence driven by long-standing farmer-herder tensions in Nigeria’s Middle Belt.He also visited the Benue State University Teaching Hospital, offering condolences to the wounded.
Later, the President convened a town‑hall style meeting at the Government House banquet hall, bringing together traditional, political, religious, youth, and civil society leaders to pursue a sustainable peace plan.
The gathering included high-profile figures such as the National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, SGF George Akume, governors from the North‑Central region, service chiefs, APC officials, legislators, local government chairpersons, and traditional institution representatives.
Originally scheduled to commission projects in Kaduna State, Tinubu postponed that trip (now set for Thursday, June 19, 2025) to prioritise this urgent journey to Benue.
In a strong statement, Tinubu denounced the “senseless bloodletting” and urged Nigerians to reject violence in favor of peace, unity, and mutual understanding. He also expressed heartfelt sympathy to the victims’ families.
