Rain-Soaked Benue Pupils Line Makurdi Streets for Hours to Welcome President Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu visited Benue State on Tuesday, June 18, for a one-day trip to commiserate with residents of Yelewata following a recent massacre in the area, allegedly carried out by herdsmen. His visit was marked by dramatic scenes in the state capital, Makurdi, where schoolchildren were made to line major roads for hours under heavy rain to welcome his motorcade.

Despite the Benue State government’s declaration of a public holiday, students from both primary and secondary schools said they were instructed by school authorities to gather along the streets early in the day, hours before the president’s arrival. As the rain poured down, many of the pupils stood soaked and shivering, with no proper cover from the elements. Passing vehicles splashed water on them, but they remained in position until the president’s convoy passed.

The situation drew concern from observers who questioned the necessity of exposing children to such harsh conditions for a ceremonial reception. Many of the students expressed frustration at being forced to wait in the rain, especially on a day officially declared work-free.

President Tinubu touched down at the Nigerian Air Force Base in Makurdi at approximately 12:58 pm. His arrival came amid reports of severe flooding along the Makurdi–Lafia–Abuja highway, which had earlier been rendered impassable. The major route into the state capital was submerged, leaving scores of motorists and commuters stranded and forcing many to either delay their travel or seek shelter in nearby communities.

The president’s visit to Yelewata is part of his administration’s effort to respond to the continuing violence and displacement in parts of Benue State.