Esther Salifu
President Bola Tinubu is set to land in Benue State today to address the devastating communal violence that has claimed over 500 lives this year part of an initiative to directly engage victims, displaced families, and community leaders in search of long-term solutions.
At the outset of his visit, the President will meet grieving families in Yelewata site of the bloodiest weekend attack that saw more than 100 lives lost before touring the hospital where injured survivors are receiving treatment. He will later preside over a high-level town hall at the State Government House in Makurdi, convening national and state leaders, security chiefs, traditional rulers, and lawmakers.
“This isn’t just a tragedy; it’s a test of our ability to bring lasting peace,” President Tinubu is expected to declare at the gathering. The meeting aims to coordinate security responses, humanitarian aid, and long-term reconciliation programs across the affected communities.
Amid government efforts, local security forces are continuing a manhunt for the assailants, even as many residents prepare for the imminent rainy season a time marked historically by grazing conflicts and crop disputes.
Analysts say President Tinubu’s visit signals a critical pivot from merely deploying troops to deploying strategy focusing on dialogue, sustained support for victims, and governance reforms in violence-prone regions.
“This isn’t just a tragedy; it’s a test of our ability to bring lasting peace.” President Bola Tinubu
