By Vincent Egunyanga, Cross Udo, and Ben Adoga
President Bola Tinubu will travel to Benue State on Wednesday as part of renewed efforts to foster peace and address the persistent conflict affecting communities in the state.
Already, the President has rescheduled his official visit to Kaduna State.
A statement by the presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, on Monday explained that the President’s visit aims to assess first-hand the recurring crisis that has claimed numerous lives and caused significant destruction.
The statement read, “During his stay, President Tinubu will meet with all stakeholders—including traditional rulers, political, religious, community leaders, and youth groups—to seek lasting solutions to the hostilities.
“In preparation for the visit, President Tinubu has already dispatched the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the Inspector General of Police, heads of intelligence agencies, the National Security Adviser, and the Chairmen of the Senate and House Defence Committees to Benue State.
“The President is expected to hold a town hall meeting with all stakeholders during the visit.”
Tinubu has previously condemned the ongoing violence in Benue State and called on all leaders and residents to embrace peace, love, and mutual understanding.
He extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and to all those who have suffered losses as a result of the crisis.
According to his itinerary released over the weekend, President Tinubu was scheduled to visit Kaduna State on Wednesday to commission various state government projects. However, the official visit will now occur on Thursday, June 19, 2025.
*Self-defence not ruled out, ex-Senate President, Mark, warns
The latest mass killing in Yelewata, a border town between Benue and Nasarawa States, has triggered widespread outrage, with former Senate President David Mark warning that citizens may be left with no choice but to defend themselves if the government fails to act decisively.
In a statement issued through his media aide, Paul Mumeh, Mark described the attack, allegedly carried out by armed Fulani herdsmen and reportedly leaving over 200 people dead, as “senseless, tragic and unacceptable.”
“The situation in Benue State has deteriorated beyond imagination. Government must rise to its responsibility, or risk leaving the people with no option but to defend themselves,” Mark said.
He urged both the federal and Benue State governments to intensify security efforts, emphasising that the primary responsibility of any government is the protection of lives and property.
Mark also appealed to traditional rulers, community leaders, and security agencies to collaborate in identifying and bringing the perpetrators to justice. “We must unite and speak with one voice against these invaders,” he said.
*Governor’s shocking take: Victims blamed
In a controversial remark, Governor Hyacinth Alia appeared to suggest that some villagers may be aiding the attackers.
Speaking on Channels Television, Alia said: “A thief does not break into a community unless someone from within shows him the way. What we are observing is a pattern — a disturbing one.”
He disclosed that while the crisis initially centred around Makurdi and Guma, it has now expanded to include Gwer West, Logo, Ukum, Katsina-Ala, Apa, Agatu, and Guma local governments.
Alia added that the character of the attacks has evolved beyond the typical farmer-herder conflicts. “They no longer bring cattle. These are not herders. They come with AK-47s and AK-49s, attack communities, and others move in to occupy the land.”
He also pointed out that some of the attackers do not speak familiar Fulani or Hausa dialects, suggesting possible infiltration from neighbouring Cameroon.
Meanwhile, following the Yelewata killings, President Tinubu renewed his directive to security chiefs to restore order and end the cycle of bloodshed in Benue.
He condemned the attacks as “inhuman and anti-progress,” warning political and community leaders against incendiary rhetoric.
“I have directed the security agencies to act decisively and arrest perpetrators of these evil acts on all sides of the conflict and prosecute them,” Tinubu said in a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
He further charged Governor Alia to lead reconciliation efforts among warring communities to restore peace and harmonious coexistence.
Governor Alia confirmed that special tactical and response squads have begun arriving in Benue to address the escalating insecurity.
According to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, the deployed special forces will be stationed in the most vulnerable areas to restore calm and protect lives.
