Benue School Children Line Up Under Heavy Rain To Welcome President Tinubu [Video]

New videos from Benue State have sparked outrage after showing schoolchildren and banners for President Bola Tinubu lined up in the rain, waiting to welcome him during his visit on Wednesday.

The president arrived in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, five days after a deadly terror attack claimed the lives of over 200 residents.

Despite the tragedy, the state government appeared to stage a welcome event to mark Tinubu’s condolence visit.

One video circulating online captures a man filming the scene, visibly frustrated saying, “What level of madness is this? People died, and you’re busy…you’re interested in doing a campaign. Oh God!”

Although the exact location in the video wasn’t confirmed, it came shortly after a report showing that the Benue State Government had asked support groups to organize a colourful reception for the president.

The letter, signed by Francis Ngutswen, the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Hyacinth Alia on Special Groups Mobilisation, encouraged registered political groups to dress in uniform and form a procession to welcome Tinubu.

This move drew backlash, especially considering it came just days after coordinated attacks on Yelwata and Daudu communities in the Guma Local Government Area.

Amnesty International described the attacks as among the worst in recent years, with reports of mass killings that stretched from Friday night into Saturday morning.

While Amnesty reported over 100 fatalities, local sources claim the number could be closer to 200, including women, children, displaced residents, and even security officers.

Another video showed young schoolchildren standing by the roadside in their uniforms, soaked by the rain as they waited for the president’s convoy.

Cars were seen driving by and splashing water on the school children, even though the state had declared a public holiday to mark Tinubu’s visit.

Social media users reacted to the footage, criticizing the optics of children waiting in the rain for a presidential visit shortly after such a devastating loss of life.

Following the backlash, Francis Ngutswen denied organizing any rally or welcome event for the president, despite the existence of an official letter bearing his name, title, and signature.

Watch the video below:

Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu delayed his scheduled condolence visit to Benue State on Wednesday due to heavy flooding that blocked parts of the Lafia-Makurdi highway.