Tension in Benue as Tinubu visits Makurdi after deadly attacks

President Bola Tinubu arrived in Makurdi on Tuesday amid public outcry over killings in Benue communities.

He landed at the Tactical Air Command Base in Makurdi at exactly 12:58pm.

His visit follows the deadly assault on Yelwata in Guma Local Government Area, which left dozens feared dead.

Tinubu plans to meet with traditional rulers, religious leaders, and youth representatives across the state.

Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga confirmed the visit in an official statement on Tuesday afternoon.

He said Tinubu’s visit shows his commitment to restoring peace and security in Benue.

Many Benue residents blame the government for failing to stop repeated attacks on farming settlements.

Yelwata massacre sparked protests in Makurdi, with victims’ families demanding justice and compensation.

Security presence increased across the state capital ahead of Tinubu’s arrival.

Government deployed armed personnel to strategic points to maintain order and prevent chaos.

Earlier, a federal delegation visited Benue to assess the situation before Tinubu’s trip.

The team included the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and the National Security Adviser.

Heads of intelligence agencies, police chiefs, and defence committee chairmen joined the mission.

They met with Benue leaders and security agents to review the crisis.

Tinubu shelved his Kaduna engagement to prioritise the Benue crisis.

He was scheduled to commission projects in Kaduna on Wednesday but moved the event to Thursday.

The Presidency insisted national security takes precedence over ceremonies.

Tinubu had earlier condemned the killings and urged residents to embrace peace.

He assured the state of government’s full support in ending the bloodshed.

He promised to deliver lasting peace to conflict-prone communities across Nigeria.

More details follows.

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