Tinubu In Benue: Words Of Hope Amid Graves Of Sorrow
“While President Tinubu's visit to Benue State was not designed to celebrate or inaugurate any specific project, as is often the case in other states, we nonetheless hold this visit in high esteem. It is worth noting that no previous president has visited Benue during a crisis of this magnitude. Given the severe challenges the state currently faces, his presence is particularly significant. It underscores the need for federal attention and support during these difficult times. We sincerely appreciate his decision to witness the situation firsthand and listen to our concerns, as it provides hope and reassurance to the people of Benue. However, we emphasized the importance of translating words into tangible actions. Over the years, we have been inundated with promises and reassurances, but what we truly require is more than just rhetoric; we need absolute protection for our communities.”
In the heavy atmosphere of sorrow that enveloped the freshly dug graves, accompanied by the distant, heart-wrenching cries of grieving families, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu made a poignant visit to Benue State to extend his condolences to the victims of the horrific Yelwata massacre. This tragic event, which claimed the lives of dozens of innocent people and forced hundreds more from their homes, has once again sparked national outrage and concern over the persistent insecurity sweeping through Nigeria’s Middle Belt region. Critics, including local leaders and citizens alike, have voiced their frustrations, accusing the federal government of a slow and inadequate response to the ongoing violence that has plagued the area. Many are demanding accountability and a more robust approach to safeguard communities under threat.
During his address to the people of Benue, as well as political leaders and stakeholders, President Tinubu acknowledged the pain and suffering endured by those affected by the violence. He announced the establishment of a specialized security task force aimed at safeguarding vulnerable areas that have become hotspots for attacks. The President also pledged swift, definitive legal action against those responsible for the atrocities, signaling a zero-tolerance stance on violence. While speaking to community leaders, grieving families, and those displaced by the violence, President Tinubu condemned the assaults as “barbaric and unacceptable.” His words were laced with a sense of urgency as he emphasized the importance of unity among the people in the face of escalating brutality. Tinubu reassured the residents of his unwavering commitment to taking decisive and effective measures to restore peace and security in the region, expressing hope that recovery and healing can begin soon for the affected communities.
In a high-stakes meeting held at the Government House in Makurdi, attended by key stakeholders such as Secretary to the Federal Government George Akume, traditional rulers, and previous governors of the state, Tinubu directed Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun and Chief of Defense Staff Christopher Musa to swiftly track down and apprehend the herders responsible for this tragic incident. During his address, President Tinubu expressed his frustration and urgency regarding the lack of arrests made in connection with these brutal crimes. He pointedly questioned the Inspector General of Police, asking, “How has it come to pass that no one has been arrested for this heinous crime in Yelewata? Inspector General of Police, where are the arrests? The criminals must be apprehended without delay.” His remarks underscored the gravity of the situation and the expectation that law enforcement agencies take immediate action. In addition to demanding swift arrests, President Tinubu called upon the leaders of the Department of State Services (DSS) and the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) to heighten their surveillance efforts. He stressed the need for these agencies to gather actionable intelligence that could lead to the identification and capture of the perpetrators involved in the violence. Furthermore, the President emphasized the importance of fostering a robust partnership between communities and law enforcement agencies. He urged General Christopher Musa to be vigilant and to cultivate collaboration that would not only enhance security but also help build trust between the local populace and the military. This holistic approach aims to ensure the safety of the community and prevent further incidents of violence.
Addressing Governor Alia, President Tinubu emphasized the crucial role of stakeholder management in fostering peaceful and progressive governance. He encouraged the establishment of a peace committee in the state, incorporating former governors of Benue, community elders, traditional leaders, federal government representatives, and non-indigenous residents. President stated, “Let us reconvene in Abuja to develop a framework for lasting peace. I am committed to investing in that peace. Together, we will transform this tragedy into a pathway for prosperity.” The President urged Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State to allocate land for ranching and instructed the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security to oversee the implementation. He also called for blood donations to support those injured and receiving treatment at the Benue State Teaching Hospital, where he had visited victims and medical personnel. Highlighting the necessity of peace for sustainable development, President Tinubu appealed to the Governor to ensure a peaceful environment in Benue, noting that such dire circumstances should not have prompted his current visit. The President expressed, “I had hoped to visit to inaugurate projects and to instill hope and prosperity, not to witness somber expressions. However, peace is essential for development.” He further asserted, “The sanctity of human life far outweighs that of cattle. We were elected to lead, not to mourn.” He called upon Governor Alia to work closely with the federal government in a united effort to restore peace in the region. In his impassioned address, he stated, “Governor Alia, you were elected under a progressive banner, carrying the significant responsibility of ensuring peace, stability, and progress for our people. Your role should not be merely to witness the burial of our citizens or to extend condolences to grieving widows and orphans. We are prepared to partner with you in realizing this peace, but it is crucial that you engage with us earnestly.” He then shared a deeply personal remark with Governor Alia that resonated with me and many in the audience: “Not everyone will appreciate or support you in the political arena. Believe me, people despise or criticize me like hell. Yet, here I stand, still your President. I have made a solemn promise to defend democracy, uphold freedom, and promote prosperity, even for those who oppose, hate, and attack me. This, my friend, is what true leadership embodies.”
Responding to the President, the Chairman of the Benue State Traditional Council, Tor Tiv, Orchivirigh, Prof. James Ayatse, addressed the issue of misinformation and mischaracterization surrounding the crisis. He emphasized that land grabbing lies at the heart of the decades-old conflict. According to him, the situation in Benue is not merely a herder-farmer clash, nor a communal conflict or a series of reprisal attacks; rather, it represents a calculated, well-orchestrated, full-scale genocidal invasion and land-grabbing campaign by herder terrorists and bandits. He cautioned that the misrepresentation of the crisis has resulted in a situation where some politicians even prefer the circumstances to worsen, as it could provide a rationale for declaring a state of emergency. The Tor Tiv expresses deep concern that it is profoundly disheartening to contemplate that any politician might wish for further loss of life or suffering to advance their own political agenda. Such actions are not only morally indefensible but also contradict the fundamental interests and well-being of the people of Benue State. This perspective is not only troubling but also profoundly regrettable, as it highlights underlying issues that many argue are inextricably tied to political motivations. It is why numerous observers and commentators assert that the current crisis is imbued with significant political overtones, suggesting that the approach taken may be shaped more by political agendas than by the genuine needs of the community or the severity of the situation at hand.
The President's visit to Benue State elicited a diverse range of reactions from both the public and political analysts. Many residents extended a warm welcome, expressing optimism about the potential benefits of his visit. Others raised concerns and skepticism regarding the President's intentions and the impact of his policies on the state. Political analysts underscored the significance of the visit, suggesting it could be a strategic maneuver in anticipation of the 2027 elections. Yet, for others, the visit is seen as a crucial step towards addressing the severe insecurity that has plagued the region, particularly in light of the recent violent incidents that have had devastating effects on local communities. Supporters argue that the President's engagement with the state leadership and security agencies is a positive indication of his administration's commitment to tackling the complex issues surrounding safety and stability in Benue. On the other hand, some significant critics question the impact of this visit on the residents of Benue. They argue that the President's failure to visit specific sites, notably the location of a tragic massacre that has deeply affected the community, undermines the seriousness of his commitment. Many feel that his presence at such a critical site would have conveyed a stronger message of solidarity and empathy toward the victims and their families. Furthermore, some have pointed to logistical challenges as a reason for the President's absence from the massacre site. Reports suggest that heavy rainfall and deteriorating road conditions caused by severe erosion in the area may have hindered access. This has led to speculation about whether the government is adequately addressing infrastructure concerns that contribute to the ongoing insecurity and hardship faced by the people of Benue. Overall, while the visit was intended to signal attention to the region's challenges, the differing views highlight the complexities of public perception regarding government action in crises.
On June 19, a discussion took place on Arise TV regarding the President's inability to visit Yelwata, the site of the tragic 200 massacres. Television anchor Rufai Oseni led a compelling conversation with his fellow anchors focused on the inadequate infrastructure in Benue State, which has resulted in severe erosion, ultimately preventing the President from reaching Yelwata. Although President Tinubu initially planned to visit, reports indicated that the combination of significant erosion and poorly maintained roads made access impossible, highlighting the critical infrastructure challenges facing the community. During the discussion, Oseni voiced his deep concerns about the stark lack of infrastructural development throughout Benue State. He stressed that this neglect is not simply an oversight by the governor but rather a systemic issue that has exacerbated the ongoing erosion crises affecting numerous communities. The dialogue highlighted how the absence of sufficient infrastructure projects has worsened the difficulties residents face in accessing essential services and support systems. Oseni's remarks resonated strongly as he called for immediate attention and action to address these long-standing infrastructure deficiencies, which he believes are vital for enhancing the quality of life for the people of Benue State.
This incident highlights a persistent concern I have about the state of journalism in Nigeria: many reporters often lack the initiative to engage directly with the regions they cover. This tendency can lead to hasty and inaccurate assertions about local circumstances, ultimately compromising the credibility of their reports. For instance, if Mr. Rufai had taken the time to travel to Benue and assess the situation firsthand, he would have uncovered essential details that contradict his claims that the Governor is doing poorly. Specifically, he would have observed that the main thoroughfare connecting Makurdi to Abuja, which passes through Yelwata, is a well-constructed dual carriageway designed to facilitate smooth and efficient transportation between these key locations. Given this infrastructure reality, Mr. Rufai's statement suggesting that the President encountered significant challenges reaching Yelwata is not only misleading but also fails to reflect the existing conditions on the ground accurately. It raises questions about the thoroughness of the research and fact-checking that lies behind such reports.
Furthermore, upon arriving at the Airforce Base in Makurdi, the President was escorted to the township. For those familiar with the area, it is evident that the road connecting the Air Force Base to the town is in significantly worse condition than the Makurdi-Abuja road that travels through Yelwata. This discrepancy raises a crucial question: why did the President have no issue in taking this deteriorating road from the Air Force Base to the township, especially when he cited erosion as a primary reason for not visiting Yelwata? In examining the condition of these roads, one must consider which route exhibits more severe erosion. The federal highway leading from the Air Force Base to the township appears to exhibit notable wear and tear, with potholes and rough patches that may pose risks to vehicles and travelers. In contrast, the Makurdi to Abuja road is more accessible and better maintained than the Air Force Base in town. This situation raises deeper concerns about the true nature of the erosion issue cited as the reason for the President's absence in Yelwata. Are there underlying factors influencing this decision, or are there more pressing reasons that remain undisclosed? Was the President unable to visit Yelwata due to erosion, or was it a result of heavy rainfall? The community deserves to know the actual reason for the President's absence rather than the narrative surrounding erosion.
I strongly urge Mr. Rufai to take the essential steps required for verifying information before making any public pronouncements. Journalism is not simply about boldness; it requires a dedication to thorough investigation and a resolute commitment to accurate reporting. Journalists have a responsibility to be on the ground, gathering firsthand information about the situations they cover. If Mr. Rufai found it too difficult or logistically challenging to visit Yelwata personally, there were still avenues he could have explored to obtain credible information. For example, he could have reached out to VeryDarkMan (VDM), who has direct experience and knowledge about the area in question. VDM has traveled the route to Yelwata and possesses substantial insights that could greatly inform Mr. Rufai's reporting on the current state of the road. By consulting VDM, Rufai would have been in a far better position to convey an accurate depiction of whether the road is, in fact, in disrepair. Engaging a trustworthy person, such as VDM, is crucial for obtaining accurate facts. It enables reporters to enrich their narratives with verified information rather than depending on assumptions or fragmented data. Practicing proper due diligence is key in this profession; it ensures that the public receives reports that are not only truthful but also well-supported by reliable evidence. This adherence to high standards is what ultimately upholds the integrity of journalism and fosters public trust.
While President Tinubu's visit to Benue State was not designed to celebrate or inaugurate any specific project, as is often the case in other states, we nonetheless hold this visit in high esteem. It is worth noting that no previous president has visited Benue during a crisis of this magnitude. Given the severe challenges the state currently faces, his presence is particularly significant. It underscores the need for federal attention and support during these difficult times. We sincerely appreciate his decision to witness the situation firsthand and listen to our concerns, as it provides hope and reassurance to the people of Benue. However, we emphasized the importance of translating words into tangible actions. Over the years, we have been inundated with promises and reassurances, but what we truly require is more than just rhetoric; we need absolute protection for our communities. The desire for lasting peace cannot merely be a catchy headline; it must be a sustained effort to resolve the underlying issues we face. As the President concluded his visit and departed Benue, a palpable sense of grief hung in the atmosphere, a stark reminder of the challenges we endure. Yet, alongside that sorrow, there is a glimmer of cautious hope. For many of us, his visit represent more than a mere expression of sympathy; it held the potential to mark a pivotal moment in our ongoing struggle for safety, dignity, and justice. We are hopeful that this could mark the beginning of a renewed commitment to ensuring the security and rights of our people, and we look forward to seeing concrete steps taken in the aftermath of this visit.
Rev. Ma, S. J., is a Jesuit Catholic priest of the North West Africa Province of the Society of Jesus. He currently writes from Abuja, Nigeria.