As criticisms greet reception, political talks
After a series of deadly attacks on communities in Benue State and last Friday’s heart rending one in Yelwata and Daudu communities in Guma Local Government Area that left over 200 people dead, President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday visited the state to commiserate with the people of the state.
However, the manner the state government and even political leaders handled the issue, generated harsh criticisms from many citizens, especially on social media.
Declaration of public holiday
The first wrong step taken by the state government was the declaration of public holiday for the visit and elaborate reception provided for a visit many said should be a sombre one.
Governor Hyacinth Alia had declared the holiday on Tuesday, a day after the President signified intention to visit the state.
A letter signed by Mr. Francis Ngutswen, Senior Special Assistant to Governor Hyacinth Alia on Special Groups Mobilisation, invited various pro-Tinubu support groups to prepare for a “colorful reception” in honour of the President. The document instructed attendees to wear uniforms and form a procession to welcome him.
School children lining up in the rain
A viral video on social media showed scores of primary school pupils in uniforms drenched by rainfall, lined up along a roadside in Makurdi as the President’s convoy drove past.
Vehicles were seen splashing water on the children, who appeared soaked and visibly cold.
In the 10-second clip, a man filming the scene is heard lamenting: “What level of madness is this? People died and you’re doing a campaign? Oh God!”
Meanwhile, a second video shared by News Central Television showed dozens of young pupils drenched and visibly struggling as passing vehicles splashed water on them. There was no sign of shelter or protection.
The roadside pupils held banners bearing the phrase “Renewed Hope” — the president’s official slogan. For many Nigerians watching the scene unfold online, the optics clashed bitterly with the still-fresh bloodshed in Guma.
Political statements at meeting with stakeholders
During the meeting of the President with stakeholders in the state, including the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Chief George Akume, not a few peoooe who watched the event were surprised at the manner speakers upon speakers were not only pouring encomiums on Tinubu, but promising him more votes in 2027 than they delivered in 2023.
Reasons for the killings
There are many reasons being alluded for the killings in Benue, Kogi, Taraba and Plateau States especially. The reasons range from alleged ethnic cleansing to land grabbing among others.
Going by the pronouncement by Tinubu on Wednesday, when he said an end must be put to land grabbing, it is obvious that could be the main reason. He is the Chief Security Officer of the country and should know better.
The President also called for a committee to find out how to mediate between the locals and the invading Fulani herders. He even proposed the construction of ranches.
Why the focus on Benue and others
According to a security expert, who prefers anonymity, the herders see the grasses in Benue, Plateau, Taraba , some parts of Enugu and Kogi states as being sweet for their cattle.
“Security reports have it that those marauding herders say that the grasses in the places mentioned are the best for their flocks. They say the grasses there are sweet for their cattle,” he stated.
Where they operate from
From findings and security reports, due to the large size of Kogi State and its closeness to Benue and the northern part of Enugu State, the killer herders operate from Kogi and launch their attacks and go back to base.
After ensuring that the locals have deserted their communities, they would then bring in their own people. In some instances, they have renamed such communities taken over by them.
Is the President’s visit the solution?
Many people who have security backgrounds and who are knowledgeable in what is going on, are pessimistic about an end to the massacre after the presidential visit.
Their main reason is that nothing concrete in terms of nailing the security gap in the state was arrived at.
“Remember that the latest round of killings took place after the Chief of Army Staff relocated to the state. The CAS left on Wednesday after he would have supposedly put in place a security architecture to stem the killings. Is it not a shame that the killers operated for about four hours and there was nobody to challenge them?
“To me, what the visit portrayed is that our leaders cannot bite, they only bark. I pray there is no spike in the spate of attacks in the area. The military have to change their tactics and combatants put in charge of the operation, a retired Major told New Daily Prime.
