Tinubu fires back at critics during Benue visit

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has responded to growing criticism over the Federal Government’s handling of deadly attacks in Benue State, asserting his resilience in the face of political opposition during a visit to the state.

The President’s visit came just days after a wave of coordinated violence allegedly carried out by armed Fulani herdsmen left over 200 people dead and numerous homes razed in Yelewata and surrounding communities.

In a video circulating on X (formerly Twitter), President Tinubu was seen arriving in the state to a ceremonial welcome by students from various institutions who stood in long queues and recited the national anthem as he passed by. However, the warm reception sharply contrasted with scenes of protest by angry residents demanding justice and an end to the bloodshed.

Some demonstrators, expressing deep frustration with the government, were captured in separate footage tearing and desecrating flags of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), rejecting what they described as attempts to politicize their pain during a time of mourning.

Addressing guests at an event held in his honor, President Tinubu didn’t shy away from responding to his critics. In a pointed remark that has since gone viral, he said:

“Not everybody will like you in politics. They hate me like hell, but I am here. I am the president.”

The comment drew mixed reactions online, with some social media users praising Tinubu’s candor, while others saw it as tone-deaf and dismissive of the emotional trauma residents are enduring in the aftermath of the massacre.

Critics argue that the visit, while necessary, failed to fully acknowledge the scale of the humanitarian crisis, and many have called for more concrete action beyond political rhetoric.

Read some netizens’ reactions below;

@funnycrown6: “Nah that clap Dey vex me pass Mtww.”

@Itschristy___: “Many things dey vex me for this video, I don’t even know where to start from.”

@Updated_CEO: “Oga resign since the people don’t want. Nigeria no b one man business.”

@PresidentIkemba: “Who are those clapping? People’s parents? In this undemocratic regime?”

@ezzytohbahdt: “Is this today’s speech or from last year cos I no understand how this take concern the killings going on. Omo which country be this na.”

@Notsouglyfgs: “This one na just to make him name dey for that nigerian presidents list him dey find all this tine now he got it.”

@mr_stitch01: “Before, didn’t you want to take it? Goodluck took even more than this.”

As the backlash intensifies, the situation in Benue remains tense, with victims’ families and community leaders calling for justice, adequate security, and an end to what they describe as government silence in the face of relentless violence.