President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced plans to visit Benue State on Wednesday, June 18, following the recent massacre of over 200 residents by suspected herders in Yelwata, Guma Local Government Area.
Tinubu made the announcement on Monday while commissioning the $470 million Greater Abuja Water Supply Network (Loops 1, 2, 5 & 6) in the Federal Capital Territory. He expressed sympathy for the victims and emphasized the need for peace and unity.
“We are one single huge family living in the same house. I sympathize with those who have lost dear lives,” Tinubu said, noting he has spoken with the Benue governor and other stakeholders. “I will adjust my schedule and go to see the Benue people.”
At the commissioning event attended by APC National Chairman Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje and PDP National Secretary Sen. Samuel Anyanwu, Tinubu described the water project as a “tangible, people-focused initiative” that reflects his administration’s renewal agenda.
The project is part of the Abuja Water Master Plan and is expected to increase water supply in the FCT from 240,000 to over 700,000 cubic metres per day, serving 50 districts across both the Northern and Southern phases of the city.
FCT Minister Nyesom Wike praised Tinubu’s leadership, revealing that the water contract, originally awarded in 2017, saw renewed execution under Tinubu’s directive. He also announced that additional water projects targeting satellite towns like Bwari, Karu, and Kubwa are underway.
“We believe that by your third anniversary, we will commission water supply to satellite towns,” Wike assured.
The project is co-funded by the Chinese government (85%) and Nigeria (15%) under the African Development Initiative.
As Benue remains in mourning, Tinubu’s planned visit marks his most direct response to one of the deadliest herders’ attacks in recent times, a crisis that continues to fuel public outrage and security concerns.
