President Bola Tinubu's condolence visit to Benue State on Tuesday has sparked widespread outrage after schoolchildren were reportedly forced to stand in heavy rain to welcome him, transforming what was meant to be a solemn occasion into what critics described as a political rally.
The President visited the state to sympathize with victims of recent deadly attacks in Yelwata, Guma Local Government Area, where over 300 people were reportedly killed by suspected herdsmen. However, the visit quickly drew criticism when videos emerged showing schoolchildren lined up along major roads in the pouring rain, holding placards with images of Tinubu and Governor Hyacinth Alia.
Despite the Benue State Government declaring a statewide public holiday for the presidential visit, eyewitnesses reported that students from government-owned schools were mobilized for the welcome parade, with many visibly drenched as they waited for hours.
Public Backlash on Social Media
The incident triggered immediate backlash across social media platforms. One concerned citizen, Ogwuche Anderson Paul, wrote: "This is nonsense. If my child were there, I would go pick them up."
Another commenter, Felix Shaibu, questioned: "Why should parents even let their children go to school today when they declared a public holiday?"
"What a country," lamented Anthony Q Da Singer, while Boaz Jachin asked: "No be child abuse be this?"
Political Mobilization Exposed
Adding to the controversy was a previously circulated message from Francis U. Ngutswen, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Special Groups Mobilization, which surfaced online. The message explicitly called for mass mobilization to welcome 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.
The Yelwata attacks, which claimed over 300 lives, have been a source of tension in the region. The Mexican Bishops had earlier described the killing of over 200 Christians in Benue as shocking, while some religious leaders claimed their warnings about the impending crisis were ignored by security authorities.
Critics argue that the President's visit should have maintained a somber tone given the gravity of the situation, rather than incorporating elements of political campaigning during a period of mourning.
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