President Bola Tinubu visited the Benue State University Teaching Hospital on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, to see injured survivors of the Yelwata massacre in Benue State. The attack, which occurred last Friday, left over 59 people dead and many displaced. Tinubu's visit aimed to offer condolences and discuss lasting solutions to the crisis affecting the region ¹ ².
Details of the Visit
- *Hospital Visit*: Tinubu arrived at the Tactical Air Command, Nigerian Air Force Base, Makurdi, at about 12:58 pm and went straight to the hospital to visit the survivors.
- *Meeting with Stakeholders*: After visiting the hospital, Tinubu met with major stakeholders in the state at the new Banquet Hall of the Benue State Government House to discuss the violent attacks that led to loss of lives.
- *Expected Attendees*: Key national and state-level figures, including the state governor, Hyacinth Alia, National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, are expected to attend the meeting.
Background of the Attack
- *Death Toll*: The attack on Yelwata community in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State left over 59 people dead, with many displaced and several others injured.
- *Attack Method*: Suspected herdsmen stormed the town early in the morning, splitting into three groups to penetrate the community from multiple directions, opening fire in turns to confuse and divide local security efforts.
Reactions and Related News
- *Public Holiday*: The state government declared a public holiday for the president's visit, amid public scrutiny over its optics.
- *Arrest of Suspects*: The Benue State Government confirmed the arrest of 33 persons from Northern Nigeria who arrived in Makurdi in two buses and attempted to take part in the violence ².
