President Bola Tinubu’s visit to Benue State on Tuesday has drawn widespread criticism following reports that schoolchildren were made to stand in the rain to greet him during what was supposed to be a condolence visit.
The President had traveled to the state to offer sympathies to victims of recent violent attacks in Yelwata, Guma Local Government Area, where over 300 people were reportedly killed by suspected herdsmen.
However, the visit took on a political tone. Observers noted that instead of a solemn occasion, the event resembled a campaign rally, with groups lining the streets holding placards featuring images of President Tinubu and Governor Hyacinth Alia.
Many of the placards bore slogans hinting at support for a second-term bid.
Although the Benue State Government had declared a public holiday for the visit, eyewitnesses said children from public schools were still brought out to welcome the President.
Many were left standing for hours under heavy rainfall, visibly drenched and uncomfortable.
Videos showing the children soaked in the rain quickly circulated on social media, sparking public outrage.
“This is nonsense,” one user, Ogwuche Anderson Paul, posted. “If my child were there, I would go pick them up.”
Others questioned the rationale behind involving schoolchildren in such an event during a public holiday.
“Why should parents even let their children go to school today when they declared a public holiday?” wrote Felix Shaibu. “What a country,” added Anthony Q Da Singer. “No be child abuse be this?” asked Boaz Jachin.
The backlash intensified after a previously shared message from Francis U. Ngutswen, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Special Groups Mobilization, resurfaced online.
The statement called on supporters to gather in large numbers to receive 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 message read.
Critics argue that the visit’s focus shifted from offering comfort to affected families to serving political interests, leaving many disappointed and concerned about the welfare of the children involved.