Amid heightened tension and grief following recent attacks that claimed several lives in Benue communities, the state government has announced a public holiday and is making elaborate preparations to host President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during his scheduled visit. The planned colourful reception has sparked public outrage, with many residents questioning the timing and sensitivity of the celebration in the wake of ongoing insecurity.
In an official letter dated June 17, Francis Ngutswen, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Special Groups Mobilisation, invited registered support groups to form a procession and wear designated uniforms to receive the President.
The parade is expected to start from the airport, proceed through Wurukum Roundabout and end at the Government House in Makurdi, where Tinubu is billed to attend a town hall meeting.
“Accreditation will be done directly by the number and colours,” the letter stated, adding that group leaders should contact the office for further instructions.
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This plan to offer Tinubu a rousing welcome comes just days after assailants launched a series of coordinated terrorist attacks on Yelwata and Daudu communities in Guma Local Government Area.
Amnesty International reported that over 100 people were killed in the attacks, which stretched from Friday night into Saturday morning. Local sources say the figure may exceed 200, including women, children, displaced persons and security personnel.
The massacre in June is the latest in a series of deadly assaults on Benue communities, which have long grappled with clashes between farming communities and armed herders.
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Egalitarian Voice had earlier reported how Nigerians criticised the federal government’s hypocrisy for ignoring a massacre in Benue State after sending a June 13 condolence message to Prime Minister Narendra Modi over an Indian air crash that left 270 people dead.
After hours of public outrage Tinubu broke his day-long silence by telling Benue’s Governor Hyacinth Alia to reconcile the terrorists responsible for the attacks with victims.
[ FIJ ]
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