Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has condemned the recent deadly attacks on residents of the Yelewata community in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, describing the violence as “utterly condemnable.”

In a statement shared via the Governor’s official page, Aiyedatiwa disclosed that he joined his fellow governors to receive President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Benue State on Tuesday, June 18, as the President visited to commiserate with victims and families affected by the tragic incident.

“It was with a heavy heart that I joined my fellow governors to welcome the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to Benue State yesterday, as he commiserated with the people following the recent attacks on innocent lives,” the governor stated.

Aiyedatiwa lauded the President for showing leadership and empathy in the wake of the killings, which claimed the lives of multiple men, women, and children. “I extend my deepest gratitude to Mr. President for showing empathy towards the people of Benue State during this challenging time and for working towards solutions to their security concerns,” he said.

Offering condolences on behalf of the people and government of Ondo State, Governor Aiyedatiwa expressed solidarity with his Benue counterpart, Governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, and prayed for the restoration of peace in the troubled region.

The visit by President Tinubu and the show of support from fellow state leaders highlight growing national concern over recurring violence in Nigeria’s Middle Belt region.