By: Manoah Kikekon
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| Hyacinth Alia and Bola Tinubu |
Just three days after gunmen slaughtered over 100 villagers in Yelewata, Guma LGA, Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia has directed grieving residents to stage a "massive and colourful" welcome for President Bola Tinubu during his visit on Wednesday.
A leaked government memo, signed by Francis U. Ngutswen, Senior Special Assistant on Special Groups Mobilization, ordered supporters to line the streets from Makurdi Airport to Government House, forming a "shoulder-to-shoulder procession" for the President.
"At the instance of our dear Governor… mobilize massively to give a rousing welcome to our President," the June 17 letter read.
Tinubu’s visit follows global condemnation of the massacre, which Amnesty International called "a horrifying failure of security measures." The President, initially silent, announced the trip after outcry from the UN, Pope Leo XIV, and human rights groups.
Critics question the optics of a celebratory reception while mass burials unfold. "How can we roll out drums when our people are still bleeding?"* a local activist told press.