Tinubu’s visit to Benue sparks outrage as schoolchildren reportedly soaked in rain during welcome rally
President Bola Tinubu’s visit to Benue State on Wednesday, June 18, has drawn sharp public criticism following reports that schoolchildren were made to line the streets in the rain to welcome him during what was meant to be a condolence visit.
The President was in the state to sympathise with victims of a deadly attack in Yelwata, Guma Local Government Area, where more than 300 people were reportedly killed in recent violence attributed to suspected herdsmen.
However, what many hoped would be a solemn occasion quickly took on the tone of a political rally, with groups seen along major roads waving placards bearing images of President Tinubu and Governor Hyacinth Alia, some of which included messages suggestive of a second-term campaign.
Despite the statewide public holiday declared by the Benue State Government to mark the visit, eyewitnesses reported that schoolchildren from public schools were mobilised to participate in the welcome rally — standing in the rain for hours while waiting for the President’s convoy.
Viral videos from the event showed children drenched, sparking outrage on social media.
“This is nonsense,” wrote Ogwuche Anderson Paul. “If my child were there, I would go pick them up.”
“Why should parents even let their children go to school today when they declared a public holiday?” asked Felix Shaibu.
“What a country,” lamented Anthony Q Da Singer.
“No be child abuse be this?” Boaz Jachin questioned.
Fueling further anger, an earlier circulated message attributed to Francis U. Ngutswen, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Special Groups Mobilization, surfaced online. The message explicitly called on support groups to stage a colourful and massive welcome for the President.
“At the instance of our dear Governor, His Excellency Fr Dr Hyacinth Iormem Alia, the Leader of the All Progressives Congress in Benue State, kindly mobilize massively to give a rousing welcome to our President… A colourful shoulder-to-shoulder procession from the Airport to Wurukum Roundabout and down to Government House, Makurdi, is expected,” the statement read.
Critics have condemned the optics of a politicised welcome amid widespread mourning and humanitarian concern, and called for accountability over the alleged forced participation of schoolchildren in harsh weather conditions.
As of Wednesday, neither the Benue State Government nor the Presidency had officially addressed the backlash.
