Secondary school students in Makurdi, Benue State, were seen standing in heavy rain along the roadside, singing the national anthem and enduring splashes of water from passing vehicles, as they welcomed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the state.

The president’s visit comes in the wake of recent attacks on communities in Benue State that have left many residents grieving.

The incident was captured in a viral post on X (formerly Twitter), drawing widespread attention and sparking debate among concerned Nigerians online.

Earlier in the week, during an event on Monday, President Tinubu had led a moment of silence in honour of the victims and extended his condolences to the affected families and communities.

“While I sympathise with the people of Benue, I’ve spoken to the governor. The leadership of Benue should accept our condolences and try hard—very consciously—to maintain peace and harmony among themselves. We are a huge family living in the same house, staying in different rooms, but living together in harmony,” Tinubu said.

As part of his commitment, the president had announced plans to visit Benue on Wednesday to personally commiserate with the victims and offer federal support.

His arrival was marked by the presence of schoolchildren, visibly drenched by the rain yet standing in formation to honour the nation’s leader.

The imagery has triggered mixed reactions online, with many questioning the decision to have students stand in such conditions.

The visit continues to generate discussion across social media, with many calling for more humane approaches to ceremonial protocols involving children, especially in emotionally sensitive and physically demanding situations.

See some reactions below: 

@Trhymesz: “One day Nigerians will wake up, understand their rights & take their country back from these tyrants. Until then, they will only continue to be treated infelicitously by their callous leaders.”

@Jaysings001: “They are even standing on the road! But I thought today was public holiday?”

@j94626377: “If my kids are among those standing there I will make sure I change them to another school immediately what rubbish.”

@MESIGO422: “He will pass and not even flench an eye on them .. person wee clear him busy schedule just to see 200 people wee kpia under his administration.”

@ToniRhymze: “and many of these kids will go back home sick but death is not a new thing to the state government.”

@NasOricha_: “Leadership should be about empathy and timing. Asking children to stand in the rain after such a tragedy in Benue sends the wrong message. We need leaders who show compassion, not just presence.”

@obadarabi: “You should already know how the game works, Rinu. Stop crying about it every day and actually do something if it bothers you so much.”

WATCH VIDEO: 

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

Students are under the rain since morning waiting. pic.twitter.com/Ag8rMU6yCz

— DOONEN (@Krystal_lus) June 18, 2025