The Benue State government on Tuesday 17th of June 2025, deployed workers to cut grass along major roads in Makurdi overnight.
The activity focused mainly on the route from the airport to the Government House, in preparation for President Tinubuโs arrival on Wednesday.
Viral videos shared on social media platforms like Facebook and X confirm the operation, showing workers active after dark to tidy up the roadside greenery. The overnight cleanup is part of a broader publicity campaign led by Governor Hyacinth Alia.
The state government also declared Wednesday, June 18, a public holiday and urged support groups to welcome the President.
The move seeks to project unity and showcase Benue as a dignified host despite the recent tragedies.
President’s Tinubuโs visit is prompted by horrific violence in Benue. Over the weekend, gunmen suspected to be herdsmen attacked villages in the Yelewata region, killing between 100 and 150 people.
The victims, many sheltering in markets, were ambushed and homes were set ablaze. This tragedy marks one of the deadliest recent episodes in the ongoing herderโfarmer conflict.
President Tinubu has rescheduled other engagements to prioritize this trip, framing it as both a condolence and security reassurance mission.
Heโs expected to meet victimsโ families, met with security chiefs, and assess on-the-ground conditions. His office has emphasized decisive action against perpetrators.
While some appreciate the cleanup and public goodwill efforts, critics argue the focus on presentation undercuts genuine remorse and effective response.
Amnesty International called the attacks evidence of failing security mechanisms, and activists warned that orchestrated ceremonies risk overshadowing urgent calls for justice and protection.
What’s your take on the impromptu cleanup?
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