President Tinubu Visits Injured Victims of Benue Killings at Teaching Hospital

President Bola Tinubu arrived in Makurdi, Benue State, on Wednesday, June 18, to visit victims of the recent Yelewata massacre recovering at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital. 

The visit, part of a broader effort to address the escalating violence in the North-Central state, follows a deadly attack on June 13 that killed over 100 residents and displaced thousands in Guma Local Government Area. Tinubu’s presence underscores the federal government’s commitment to tackling the crisis, though residents demand concrete action.

Upon arrival, Tinubu was received by Governor Hyacinth Alia and proceeded to the hospital, where he met with 26 survivors, many suffering from gunshot and burn wounds. “What happened in Yelewata is inhuman and anti-progress,” Tinubu said, promising to deploy more tactical forces to the region. He also visited displaced families at a nearby IDP camp, expressing solidarity and pledging humanitarian aid. The president’s itinerary included a town hall meeting at the Benue State Government House, attended by traditional rulers, including the Tor Tiv, James Ayatse, and key figures like National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu and former Governor George Akume.

The Yelewata attack, attributed to suspected armed herders, has intensified public anger, with youths in Makurdi protesting and tearing down APC flags on Monday. Governor Alia reported 59 confirmed deaths, though local estimates suggest over 200 casualties. The National Emergency Management Agency noted that 20 of the 46 injured persons taken to hospitals later died. Tinubu’s visit follows a preparatory trip by security chiefs, including General Christopher Musa, who denied allegations of military complicity.