Human rights activist and lawyer, Dele Farotimi, has criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent visit to Benue State, describing it as unnecessary and insensitive in light of the tragic killings that have claimed over 200 lives.
Farotimi, speaking during a Channels TV programme on Thursday, June 19, said the President’s visit to Makurdi on Wednesday lacked empathy and seriousness.
He noted that the most impactful part of the entire event came not from the President, but from the Tor Tiv V, Prof. James Ayatse, who described the ongoing attacks in Benue as a “calculated, well-planned, full-scale genocidal invasion and land grabbing campaign by herder terrorists and bandits.”
“I must say very quickly that it would have been better if the President didn’t go,” Farotimi stated.
“The only thing worthy of anybody’s time was the words of the Tor Tiv, who spoke extensively to the reality of the situation in the Benue trough and eloquently expressed the pains of the victims.”
Farotimi lamented that the President’s remarks gave little weight to the victims of the carnage. Instead, he said the visit came across more like a political rally than a condolence trip.
“In Benue, they knew exactly what was of importance to the President, so they ensured the necessary theatre was staged for 2027.
The de@th of over 200 people did not count much; they were only mentioned in passing,” he said.
He further criticised the “red-carpet reception” the President received, stating it was disrespectful to the memories of the dead.
“We’ve almost lost our capacity to be shocked. Over 200 human beings were murdered, and the President went to Benue talking as if he were preparing for a campaign rally. It was more or less that they went to dance on the graves—some of whom may not even be identified.”
Benue, one of Nigeria’s major food-producing states, has been plagued by violent attacks from suspected herdsmen in recent years
The crisis has triggered debates around land ownership, national security, and the federal government’s responsibility to protect lives and property.
Farotimi concluded his remarks with a stern call to action, urging the Nigerian state to prioritise its constitutional duty.
“Let the state begin to protect the lives and property of the citizens,” he emphasized.
