Tinubu Mourns Benue Victims, Orders Manhunt for Killers, Commissions Abuja Mega Water Project
Amid fresh bloodshed in Benue State that has left scores dead and displaced thousands, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered a sweeping crackdown on those behind the violence. Speaking during a public engagement in Abuja on Monday, the president described the attacks as “depressing” and directed security agencies to arrest and prosecute all culprits, regardless of their affiliation.
The president, visibly moved by the scale of the tragedy, led a moment of silence in honour of the victims and pledged to visit Benue State on Wednesday to personally commiserate with the affected families and communities.
READ MORE: Benue Bleeds Again: What’s Fueling the Unending Violence in Nigeria’s Heartland?
“No individual or group will be spared from justice. I have instructed our security agencies to act decisively,” Tinubu stated.
He further urged political and community leaders in Benue to rise above inflammatory rhetoric and begin constructive dialogue that could bring an end to the spiralling violence. Addressing Governor Hyacinth Alia directly, Tinubu called for immediate reconciliation efforts, warning that no political or ethnic ambition must be allowed to endanger human lives.
“We are one big Nigerian family living in different rooms of the same house,” the president said, appealing for unity and peace.
From Crisis to Development: President Commissions Abuja Water Loops
Shifting focus from conflict to development, President Tinubu later commissioned the Greater Abuja Water Supply Project—Loops 1, 2, 5, and 6—located along Airport Road in the Federal Capital Territory.
The multimillion-dollar project is part of an ambitious effort to ensure clean, sustainable water access across Nigeria’s capital city. Describing the initiative as a “moral milestone,” Tinubu said the infrastructure reflects his administration’s commitment to delivering tangible dividends under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“Water is not a luxury—it is a fundamental human right. This project is about public health, economic growth, and equity,” he declared.
READ MORE: ENOUGH OF THE BLOODSHED – NIGERIA MUST ACT NOW TO END THE KILLINGS IN BENUE STATE
The project was executed under a tripartite arrangement involving the Chinese Government, the Federal Government, and the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA). It features over 425 kilometres of ductile iron pipelines, comprising 256 km of main trunks and 169 km of distribution lines, along with 1,670 vital fittings.
Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, lauded the president’s directive that jump-started the water project and other urban renewal efforts, including the reactivation of Abuja’s rail system. Wike disclosed that potable water extension to satellite communities like Bwari, Kuje, and Karu is already in progress and will likely be commissioned during Tinubu’s third year in office.
Water for the Future
Also speaking at the event, Engr. Richard Yunana Dauda, Acting Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), revealed that the newly commissioned water loops will supply over 50 districts spanning Phases Two, Three, and Four of Abuja’s master plan.
Loops 3 and 4 are already operational, while the commissioning of Loops 1, 2, 5, and 6 marks the most extensive expansion of Abuja’s water network in recent years.
READ MORE: Tinubu Cancels June 12 Broadcast, To Address Nigerians at National Assembly
President Tinubu thanked development partners, particularly CGC Nigeria Limited and the Chinese Government, for their technical and financial support. He urged residents to protect the new infrastructure and use water
resources responsibly to ensure sustainability.
Balancing Security and Development
As Nigeria grapples with multiple security and socio-economic challenges, Monday’s dual agenda—mourning in Benue and progress in Abuja—reflects the delicate balancing act facing the Tinubu administration: securing lives while also securing livelihoods.
While the nation waits for decisive action on the Benue crisis, millions in the capital may soon enjoy better water supply—a reminder that even amid turmoil, development must not stall.