President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s condolence visit to Benue State on Tuesday has sparked outrage and public backlash, following reports that schoolchildren were forced to stand in the rain to welcome him during what many believed should have been a solemn moment of mourning.
The President visited Benue to sympathize with the victims of the recent massacre in Yelewata, Guma Local Government Area, where over 300 people were killed in a brutal attack by suspected armed herdsmen. However, the visit quickly turned political, with residents and critics condemning what they described as a “parade of insensitivity.”
☔ Children Made to Line Streets Under Rainfall
Despite a public holiday declared across the state in honor of the President’s visit, eyewitnesses reported that children from public schools were mobilized to line the streets of Makurdi, many of them left soaked under heavy rainfall as they held placards bearing campaign-style images of President Tinubu and Governor Hyacinth Alia.
Viral videos circulating on social media showed drenched schoolchildren waiting for hours, prompting immediate outrage and criticism from Nigerians.
“This is nonsense. If my child were there, I would go pick them up,” fumed Ogwuche Anderson Paul.
“Why should parents even let their children go to school today when they declared a public holiday?” asked Felix Shaibu.
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Below is the full video of the little school children hailing and singing the National Anthem while welcoming President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“No be child abuse be this?” lamented another user, Boaz Jachin.
🪧 Rally or Condolence Visit?
The situation intensified after a leaked message from Francis U. Ngutswen, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Special Groups Mobilization, surfaced online. The message instructed political groups to “mobilize massively” for a colourful shoulder-to-shoulder welcome rally from the Airport to the Government House in Makurdi.
“At the instance of our dear Governor… kindly mobilize massively to give a rousing welcome to our President,” the message read.
The tone of the message, along with the celebratory crowd scenes, has been criticized as tone-deaf, especially in light of the fresh mass killings that continue to traumatize the people of Benue.
📢 Nigerians React with Anger and Disbelief
On Facebook, X (Twitter), and Instagram, Nigerians expressed disappointment over what they see as misplaced priorities by state and federal authorities.
Many questioned why a condolence visit for a tragic mass killing would be converted into a political show, with children placed at risk in harsh weather conditions for optics.
“This should have been a quiet, respectful visit. Instead, it became a political campaign. Unacceptable,” one commenter wrote.
⚠ Rising Insecurity in Benue: The Bigger Picture
This incident comes amid growing tension in Benue State, where traditional leaders, including the Tor Tiv, have recently called on the federal government to recognize the ongoing attacks as genocidal invasions, not mere herder-farmer clashes.
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President Tinubu has promised security reinforcements and justice, but residents and rights groups say the government must show real empathy, not just performative gestures.
✅ Conclusion
The viral images of children standing in the rain to greet President Tinubu have sparked nationwide conversations on leadership, dignity, and accountability. As Nigeria continues to grapple with security challenges, citizens are calling for more humane governance, especially during moments of tragedy.
Stay with Naija Blog Daily for ongoing updates on Benue crisis developments, government responses, and grassroots reactions.
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