Nigerians Slam Tinubu for Turning Condolence Visit to Benue into Political Ceremony

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu’s visit to Benue State has come under criticism from residents and observers, who say the occasion was a campaign ceremony rather than a condolence mission to a state grieving from ongoing insecurity and killings by suspected armed militia.

Photos and videos circulating online show a full military parade, red carpet reception, and an elaborate display of protocol and ceremony at the airport in Makurdi, with President Tinubu surrounded by uniformed officials and a heavily armed security presence. A specially prepared presidential carpet bearing the official insignia was laid out, surrounded by green-and-white drapery and fresh flowers, visuals that have struck many Nigerians as tone-deaf.

Meanwhile, protests reportedly broke out in parts of Makurdi, with aggrieved residents accusing the government of neglecting the core purpose of the visit. Eyewitness accounts on social media suggest that security forces used tear gas on demonstrators who were calling attention to the recent attacks in the state and the lack of meaningful federal response.

President Tinubu is coming to Benue State to campaign, nothing else,” a local resident said in a viral video. “Look at the heavy security following him. Did we have this kind of protection when our people were being killed?”

Despite the optics of solemnity projected by the presidential entourage, many argue that the administration has failed to address the pain and suffering of victims’ families. Many view the visit as politically motivated, especially given its proximity to ongoing political manoeuvrings in the region.

Civil society organisations and community heads have demanded more empathy and decisive action from the federal government in addressing the persistent insecurity affecting rural communities in Benue and other states.

At the time of this report, the Presidency has not issued a statement responding to the backlash.

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