Benue Killings: Tinubu Holds Town Hall Meeting, Visits Families of Victims as Guests Gather

Benue Killings: Tinubu Holds Town Hall Meeting, Visits Families of Victims as Guests Gather
Key political figures and traditional rulers assembled at the Benue State Government House banquet hall in Makurdi and in Yelewata—the scene of last Friday’s deadly attack—in anticipation of President Bola Tinubu’s visit today.
The President’s visit is aimed at engaging with community leaders to find lasting solutions to the ongoing communal violence, which has claimed more than 500 lives so far in 2025.
Upon his arrival, the President will first proceed to Yelewata in Guma Local Government Area, the epicentre of the latest attack that claimed over 100 lives.
Tinubu is scheduled to meet with families of victims, displaced persons and community leaders directly impacted by the violence.
From Yelewata, the President will visit the hospital where several persons injured from the attack are recuperating.
He will proceed to the Benue State Government House Banquet Hall in Makurdi, where he will preside over a town hall meeting with critical stakeholders.
Expected at the meeting are key national and state-level figures, including governors, particularly from the North Central zone, the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, the National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress, Dr Umar Ganduje and other personalities from across political, security and traditional institutions.
Among those in attendance are the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume—a former Governor of Benue State (1999–2007); immediate past Governor Samuel Ortom (2015–2023); members of the APC National Working Committee; and federal lawmakers representing the affected communities.
Also present are traditional rulers from various ethnic groups across the state, the Executive Chairmen of all 23 Local Government Areas, the Benue State Elders’ Council, members of the State House of Assembly, local government party executives, the Benue State Executive Council, as well as key stakeholders from religious institutions and civil society organisations.
The gathering follows a brutal attack on Yelewata village in Guma Local Government Area late Friday, June 13, when armed assailants unleashed one of the most devastating assaults Benue State has witnessed in recent years.
According to Amnesty International and local authorities, the attack left at least 100 people dead, with dozens still missing. Hundreds more sustained gunshot and burn injuries as the attackers razed homes in the early hours of Saturday.
While the police have confirmed the incident, they have yet to release an official death toll. Emergency officials report that many of the victims were internally displaced persons who had sought refuge in Yelewata after fleeing previous violence.
In response, the Benue State government has launched a manhunt for the perpetrators. However, fear of further reprisals looms large among residents, particularly as the rainy season approaches—a time typically marked by heightened tensions over grazing and farming rights.