President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s visit to the victims of the brutal Yelewata attack in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State was marked by...
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s visit to the victims of the brutal Yelewata attack in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State was marked by heightened emotions and escalating public outrage, as angry youths in the state took to the streets in protest, tearing down every All Progressives Congress (APC) flag in sight.
The President, who arrived at the Tactical Air Command of the Nigerian Air Force Base in Makurdi around 12:58 p.m. on Wednesday, proceeded directly to the Benue State University Teaching Hospital to sympathize with survivors of the deadly attack that left more than 59 people dead and many others severely injured. The horrific incident, which occurred in the Yelewata community, has reignited national concern over the worsening security crisis in Nigeria's Middle Belt.
After visiting the victims in the hospital, President Tinubu made his way to the new Banquet Hall at the Benue State Government House for a closed-door meeting with top stakeholders, including the State Governor Hyacinth Alia, the National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, service chiefs, members of the National Assembly, and representatives of affected communities. The goal of the meeting was to discuss a long-term solution to the wave of violence that has engulfed rural communities across the state.
However, while Tinubu was indoors meeting with leaders, the streets outside told a different story. Waves of furious youths, many of them from communities affected by banditry and herder-related violence, stormed the streets of Makurdi and other towns in spontaneous protests. Chanting anti-government slogans, the protesters expressed their anger at what they described as the federal government’s continued failure to protect Benue lives and properties.
In a powerful act of defiance, protesters pulled down APC flags across strategic locations, including at party offices, road junctions, and administrative buildings. According to eyewitnesses, the action symbolized the youth’s rejection of a government they believe has been indifferent to their suffering.
“This is not about politics anymore. Our people are dying. Every day, they are killing us and all we get is talk. No action, no justice. Tinubu is here now, but it’s too late. We are tired,” one of the protesters shouted.
Many of the demonstrators demanded that the government declare a state of emergency in the affected areas, provide adequate compensation for families of the deceased, and deploy more troops to vulnerable communities.
Meanwhile, opposition leaders in the state have also weighed in on the incident, describing the protests as a reflection of the deep-seated frustrations of Benue citizens. Civil society organizations have called for an independent investigation into the Yelewata massacre and the rising insecurity in the region.
As President Tinubu continues his engagements in Benue, there is growing anticipation about what concrete steps the federal government will take to stem the bloodshed and restore faith among the people, especially the youth who feel increasingly abandoned.
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