By Emmanuel Kwada
In a heartfelt response to the recent wave of violence in Benue State, President Bola Tinubu has announced plans to visit the state on Wednesday to commiserate with its leadership and people.
The president extended his condolences, urging unity and resilience in the face of tragedy.
“I am deeply saddened by the loss of lives in Benue. The leadership and people of Benue State should accept our condolences. I will adjust my schedule to visit the Benue people on Wednesday,” President Tinubu stated on Monday.
The president’s announcement follows a series of deadly attacks in rural communities across Benue, which have left scores dead and many displaced. Local authorities report that suspected armed herders targeted villages in Gwer East, Gwer West, and Logo Local Government Areas, destroying homes and farmlands.
I am deeply saddened by the loss of lives in Benue. The leadership and people of Benue State should accept our condolences. I will adjust my schedule to visit the Benue people on Wednesday
The exact death toll remains unconfirmed, but community leaders estimate over 30 fatalities in the past week alone.
Governor Hyacinth Alia, in a press briefing, welcomed the president’s planned visit, describing it as a “significant gesture of solidarity.” He called for increased federal support to bolster security and address the root causes of the recurring violence, which has long plagued the state due to farmer-herder clashes.
We appreciate the president’s concern, but we need more than visits. We need protection and justice
Residents of Benue, a state known as Nigeria’s “food basket,” expressed mixed emotions. “We appreciate the president’s concern, but we need more than visits. We need protection and justice,” said Mrs. Grace Ior, a farmer who lost her home in the recent attacks.
The presidency has yet to release details of the visit, but sources indicate President Tinubu will meet with state officials, traditional leaders, and affected communities to assess the situation and discuss lasting solutions. Security has been heightened in anticipation of his arrival.
As Benue mourns, the nation watches, hoping this visit will mark a turning point in addressing the state’s persistent security challenges.
