Videos emerging from Benue State show President Bola Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” banners and school pupils standing in the rain waiting to welcome him on Wednesday.
The president arrives at Makurdi, Benue’s capital city, five days after about 200 citizens were brutally murdered in a terror attack. Benue State Government put on a show to “appreciate” Tinubu’s condolence visit.
In a 10-second clip, a man recording the scene is heard lamenting: “What level of madness is this? People died, and you’re busy…you’re interested in doing a campaign. Oh God!”
While the location of the video remains unconfirmed, it surfaced just hours after FIJ reported on a letter from the Benue State Government inviting support groups to prepare a colourful welcome for the president.
According to the letter, the Benue government appeared focused on celebrating Tinubu’s visit despite the massacre of over 100 people in coordinated attacks on Yelwata and Daudu communities in Guma Local Government Area over the weekend.
Francis Ngutswen, Senior Special Assistant to Governor Hyacinth Alia on Special Groups Mobilisation, urged registered support groups to wear uniforms and form a procession to receive the president.
The attacks, described by Amnesty International as one of the deadliest in recent memory, reportedly stretched from Friday night into early Saturday morning.
While Amnesty put the death toll at over 100, local sources say it could exceed 200, including women, children, displaced persons and security personnel.
A second video, published by News Central on Wednesday morning, shows young students in school uniforms standing in the rain on a roadside in Makurdi to welcome President Tinubu. Cars could be seen driving past and splashing water on them.
After much criticism, Ngutswen denied mobilising support groups for any rally or ceremonial welcome, despite the existence of the official letter bearing his name, title and signature.
Benue has long struggled with violent attacks linked to clashes between farming communities and armed herders.
Friday’s attack was a one-sided massacre of a defenceless community.
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