President Tinubu’s Visit to Benue: Key Highlights and Directives After the Yelwata Tragedy

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu visited Benue State on Wednesday in a show of solidarity with the grieving communities affected by the recent killings in Yelwata, located in Guma Local Government Area. The violent incident, which claimed hundreds of lives, drew nationwide condemnation and concern over the region’s security.

During his visit, President Tinubu engaged with major stakeholders in the state to discuss actionable responses and to offer federal support in addressing the escalating conflict.

Presidential Orders and Appeals During the Benue Visit

In a decisive response to the security crisis, President Tinubu issued several directives during a town hall meeting with the Benue State Governor and high-ranking security officials:

• Formation of a Council of Elders:
  The President instructed the creation of a Council of Elders, which should include all past Governors of the state, as well as the former Governor of Nasarawa State. This council is intended to guide and unify community leadership in peace-building efforts.
• Land Allocation for Ranching:
  President Tinubu appealed to the Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, to allocate land specifically for ranching. This initiative is part of a broader solution to recurring farmer-herder clashes, which have been a major source of conflict in the region.
• Unity and Communal Harmony:
  The President called on Benue citizens to stand united and resist divisive elements. He encouraged peaceful coexistence with neighboring communities and emphasized that unity is a vital weapon in fighting “evil.”
• Collaboration with Traditional Institutions:
  President Tinubu urged traditional rulers to work closely with the government, stressing that their influence is critical in achieving lasting peace and resolving communal tensions.
• Advisory to Governor Alia:
  Tinubu counseled the Governor of Benue to be mentally prepared for criticism as a normal aspect of leadership. He metaphorically suggested that Governor Alia should “grab a lantern” and proactively engage with fellow leaders to develop lasting solutions.

The visit by the President has been viewed as a significant gesture of empathy and responsibility, with citizens hoping that the directives will translate into practical steps towards ending the cycle of violence in the state.