Banners reading “Thank you for your condolence” seen in Benue ahead of President Bola Tinubu’s visit.
Banners reading “Thank you for your condolence” seen in Benue ahead of President Bola Tinubu’s visit have sparked controversy amid mourning for over 100 people recently killed in attacks across Yelewata, Apa, and Agatu.
A June 17 circular signed by Hon. Francis Ngutswen, aide to Governor Hyacinth Alia, instructed pro-government groups to stage a “colourful shoulder-to-shoulder” procession in Makurdi. “Mobilise massively to give a rousing welcome to our President,” it read.
Critics condemned the display. Lawyer Festus Ogun asked, “Support Group to give a rousing welcome to a President coming to mourn the massacre of over 200 countrymen? Nigeria is not a real place.”
Governor Alia described the violence as “directed, planned, and executed.”
Amnesty International decried the killings, saying the government’s security measures “are not working.”
Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga confirmed Tinubu postponed a Kaduna trip to assess Benue’s crisis and “foster peace.” His visit is scheduled for June 18.