Former campaign spokesman for President Bola Tinubu in the South-East, Josef Onoh, has slammed the Benue State Government for directing residents to stage a “rousing and colourful welcome” for President Tinubu amid national mourning over recent killings in the state.
Onoh, in a strongly-worded statement on Wednesday, condemned the directive as insensitive and tone-deaf, arguing that the proposed procession undermines the solemnity of the President’s condolence visit to Benue, where over 200 people were recently killed in terrorist attacks on Yelwata and Daudu communities in Guma Local Government Area.
He described the mobilisation plan as a “gross trivialization of a solemn occasion,” insisting that such festivities dishonour the memory of the victims and offend grieving families.
“At a time when the entire country and the world are enraged by the horrific killings in Benue, the state government’s decision to mobilize residents for a festive reception is not only inappropriate but an insult to the souls of the victims and to humanity itself,” he said.
The former spokesman referenced a letter dated June 17, 2025, signed by Francis U. Ngutswen, the Senior Special Assistant on Special Groups Mobilization to Governor Hyacinth Alia, directing groups to line the streets in a “colourful shoulder-to-shoulder spread” from the airport through Wurukum Roundabout to Government House, Makurdi.
The letter, which also mentioned an accreditation system by number and colour codes, has since triggered widespread backlash.
Onoh faulted the timing of the directive, which came just three days after the Yelwata massacre, and amidst widespread mourning, protests, and humanitarian displacement across the state.
“This is not the time for optics. It’s a time for reflection, mourning, and meaningful commitment to ending the bloodshed,” he said.
“The blood of the innocent cries out for justice, yet the government is more concerned with staging a parade than ensuring the perpetrators are brought to book,” he added.
He echoed concerns raised by Amnesty International, which recently condemned the Nigerian government’s security response as ineffective, following persistent killings in the region.
Onoh referenced recent protests in Benue, where residents were seen carrying green leaves and chanting in frustration over the state’s inability to protect them.
“We don taya, we dey helpless, we don become weak, we dey broken, we dey powerless because government no dey help us,” protesters had lamented.
The former spokesman said such cries should have prompted the government to organize community dialogues, support displaced families, and secure affected areas—not organize a rally.
Drawing from his political background and family history of fighting injustice, Onoh called on Governor Alia to withdraw the directive and instead engage in genuine conversations around peace, justice, and security.
“The President’s visit should be marked by dignity and compassion, not by theatrics,” Onoh declared.
He urged the government to channel resources toward humanitarian relief, ensure justice for victims, and deploy sustainable security mechanisms to protect vulnerable communities.
The post Yelwata Massacre: Ex-Tinubu Aide Berates Benue Govt For ‘Colourful Welcome’ Plan appeared first on Naija News.