Breaking News: President Tinubu to Visit Benue State Amid Criticism

President Bola Tinubu is set to visit Benue State on Wednesday to extend condolences to victims of recent attacks in the Yelewata community, where around 250 people were reportedly killed by suspected herdsmen. This visit follows significant backlash from Nigerians, opposition leaders, and international figures, including Pope Leo XIV, who condemned the violence as “extreme cruelty.”

Benue State, often referred to as Nigeria’s food basket, has experienced a surge in violence attributed to ongoing conflicts between agrarian communities and nomadic cattle herders. In recent weeks, over 160 lives have been lost, and thousands have been displaced due to these hostilities.

During his visit, President Tinubu plans to engage with various stakeholders, including traditional rulers, political leaders, religious figures, and youth groups, to discuss potential solutions to the ongoing crisis. His aim is to gain a deeper understanding of the situation and promote peace in the region.

In preparation for his visit, the President has sent high-ranking officials, including the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and the Inspector General of Police, to Benue State. He has also instructed security chiefs to implement strategies to ensure lasting peace and security in the area.

Opposition leaders, such as Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, have criticized Tinubu for his delayed response to the escalating violence in the North Central state. Obi highlighted the need for compassionate leadership, drawing comparisons to empathetic leaders in India and South Africa who have shown empathy in times of crisis.