President Bola Tinubu has arrived in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, on Wednesday at about 12:58 pm ahead of his visit to the Yelwata community, in the Guma Local Government Area (LGA).
The President landed at the Tactical Air Command, Nigerian Air Force Base, Makurdi.
The state government declared a public holiday for the visit.
President Tinubu is expected to meet with families of victims, displaced and injured persons, and community leaders directly impacted by the violence attacks that had led to the loss of lives.
He is also expected to meet with political, religious and traditional leaders at the Banquet Hall of the state Government House in Makurdi, where he will preside over a major town hall meeting with critical stakeholders.
The meeting is part of a broader effort to find a lasting solution to the crisis that has affected parts of the state, especially rural communities.
Expected at the meeting are key national and state-level figures, including the state governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia; governors from across the country, particularly from the North-Central states; the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume.
Also expected to attend are service chiefs, key members of the National Assembly, leaders of the ruling All Progressives Congress, and other prominent individuals, especially those representing affected communities in Benue.
Other high-profile attendees include members of the APC National Working Committee, and key members of the National Assembly, especially those representing affected communities in the state.
Traditional rulers from various ethnic groups within the state are also expected at the meeting, given their crucial role in conflict resolution and community mobilization. The state’s complex ethnic and religious diversity makes their input vital in any lasting peace initiative.
The executive chairmen of the 23 LGAs in the state, the Elders’ Council, and members of the state House of Assembly are expected to be present.
Bandits, suspected to be armed herders, last Friday, attacked the Yelwata community, leading to the death of at least 59 residents and the displacement of over 3,000 others.
The incident sparked a protest by angry youths who demanded an end to the killings in the state.
The killings were also condemned by prominent individuals, including the Catholic Pontiff, Pope Leo XIV; and major opposition leaders.
