Outrage as Schoolchildren Forced to Line Streets in Rain to Welcome President Tinubu Despite Public Holiday
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Nigerians Express Outrage Over Treatment of Benue Students During Presidential Visit
Many Nigerians have expressed outrage following reports that schoolchildren in Makurdi, Benue State, were forced to line the streets under poor weather conditions to welcome President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during his official visit on Tuesday.
TJ News Nigeria gathered that despite the Benue State Government declaring the day a public holiday, students and pupils from different schools in the state capital were asked to stand along major roads as the President’s convoy passed through.
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Eyewitnesses reported that some of the children were drenched by splashing water from passing vehicles, standing in muddy, waterlogged streets for several hours.
Despite the state government declaring today a public holiday, pupils and students in Makurdi, Benue State, were asked to line the roads to welcome the president, braving poor weather conditions, with cars splashing water on some of them. pic.twitter.com/yCLoLNcyrJ
— News Central TV (@NewsCentralTV) June 18, 2025
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Public Reactions: Nigerians Demand Answers
The development has triggered widespread criticism from Nigerians across social media platforms, with many questioning the rationale behind forcing minors into such activities in unfavorable weather conditions.
“This is a complete disregard for the welfare of children,” a social media user posted on X (formerly Twitter). “Declaring a public holiday only to expose students to danger on the streets is unacceptable.”
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Many Nigerians described the action as a display of insensitivity by both the organizers of the visit and the Benue State Government. Concerns were also raised about potential health risks, such as pneumonia and other infections, that children might face after prolonged exposure to cold and rain.
“This is beyond politics. We are talking about child safety and dignity,” another user commented.
Safety Concerns Raised Amid Criticism of Leaders
Observers noted that apart from the risk of exposure to cold, the chaotic traffic situation in Makurdi further endangered the children as convoy vehicles splashed water on them without adequate safety supervision in place.
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Some parents expressed anger over what they termed as the use of “children of the poor” for political spectacles, especially when many of them should have been at home during the declared holiday.
“What if one of those SUVs skids off the road and hits a child? Must we always put children in harm’s way just to impress visiting dignitaries?” a resident asked TJ News Nigeria.
Criticism of Benue Leaders
Many critics extended their condemnation to Benue State leaders, describing their actions as sycophantic and disconnected from the realities faced by ordinary citizens.
“They are bowing shamelessly to political power while their people suffer insecurity and poverty,” a concerned citizen stated. “Instead of focusing on addressing the challenges of their state, they are organizing street parades in the rain.”
Activists have demanded that leaders at both the state and federal levels be held accountable for exposing children to hazardous conditions for purely ceremonial reasons.
Civil Groups Call for Accountability
Human rights groups have joined in condemning the act, urging the government to provide explanations and assurances that such incidents will not recur.
They emphasized that Nigeria’s Constitution and international treaties to which the country is a signatory protect children’s rights, including their right to safety, dignity, and education.
“This pattern of treating the children of the poor as expendable must stop,” one advocacy group said in a statement sent to TJ News Nigeria. “Leadership must begin to reflect empathy, responsibility, and accountability.”
No Official Government Response Yet
As of the time of this report, neither the Benue State Government nor the Presidency has issued an official statement addressing the public outcry or offering explanations for the decision to involve schoolchildren in the welcoming event.
Meanwhile, calls continue to mount for a thorough investigation into the incident and for the protection of children in future public events.
Stay with TJ News Nigeria for verified updates on this story and more national developments.
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