President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday visited victims of the recent deadly attack in Yelewata community, Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, where over 59 people were killed and many others injured by suspected armed herders.
The President arrived at the Tactical Air Command of the Nigerian Air Force Base in Makurdi around 12:58 p.m. and was received by top officials. He immediately visited the hospital to see some of the survivors who are receiving treatment.
After the hospital visit, Tinubu moved to the new Banquet Hall at the Benue State Government House for a closed-door meeting with Governor Hyacinth Alia and other key stakeholders. The meeting focused on ways to end the ongoing attacks and bring lasting peace to the state.
Speaking during the meeting, Tinubu urged Benue leaders to come together regardless of political differences and find lasting solutions to the crisis between herders and farmers.
“We have to find solutions to this,” Tinubu said. “What’s the cause of the conflict? I heard it’s about land-grabbing, but if we learn how to share and how to accommodate, we have enough land to feed, to raise our children, to cultivate happiness and prosperity. We must do it.”
The President told Governor Alia to work with his predecessors and other leaders to rebuild unity in the state.
“Take a look at our national anthem again,” he added. “A key line says we want to hand over to the next generation, our children yet unborn, a banner without stain. We must work towards that, and I am ready to work with you on that.”
The Benue State Government had earlier declared a public holiday to mark the President’s visit.
The killings in Yelewata have drawn national attention and sparked outrage from citizens and rights groups. Many have called on the federal and state governments to take stronger action to protect lives and prevent further violence.
