Outrage as Benue kids forced to hail Tinubu in the rain during condolence visit

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s visit to Benue State on Tuesday has sparked outrage after schoolchildren were reportedly forced to stand in the rain to welcome him, turning what was expected to be a solemn condolence trip into a politically charged spectacle.

Tinubu visited the state to sympathize with communities affected by the recent massacre in Yelwata, Guma Local Government Area, where over 300 people were killed by suspected herdsmen.

However, the atmosphere of mourning was overshadowed by a display that many have described as insensitive. Along major streets, crowds — including schoolchildren — were seen holding placards featuring images of Tinubu and Governor Hyacinth Alia, some bearing messages hinting at support for a second-term campaign.

Despite the Benue State Government declaring a public holiday for the visit, eyewitnesses said children from public schools were mobilized to line the streets in welcome, standing under heavy rainfall for hours.

Videos of the scene quickly surfaced online, triggering widespread criticism across social media.

“This is nonsense,” wrote Ogwuche Anderson Paul. “If my child were there, I would go pick them up.”

“Why send kids to school on a public holiday just to stage this?” questioned Felix Shaibu.

“What a country,” lamented Anthony Q Da Singer.

“No be child abuse be this?” added Boaz Jachin.

Fueling the backlash was a message from Hon. Francis U. Ngutswen, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Special Groups Mobilization, which called on APC support groups to turn out massively to receive the President.

The message read:

“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.”

Critics say the event reflected a serious misjudgment, prioritizing political optics over compassion and dignity for victims of violence.