The 2025 Tiv Day celebration in Gboko, Benue State, an event traditionally dedicated to cultural heritage and unity, was unfortunately overshadowed by political violence and palpable tensions among key political figures. President Bola Tinubu, delivering a message to the people of Benue State and specifically to the youth, issued a stern warning against allowing themselves to be manipulated and used as political thugs. He strongly urged politicians to instead channel their efforts into engaging the youth in profitable ventures that would genuinely improve their livelihoods, rather than offering paltry sums for the purpose of harassing and intimidating perceived political opponents. This crucial advice came in the immediate aftermath of a disturbing incident where unruly thugs disrupted the ceremony, actively attempting to prevent certain individuals, identified as political adversaries, from gaining entry to the event venue.

The situation escalated significantly upon the arrival of Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, at the JS Tarka Stadium, the designated venue for the celebration. Reports indicated that hoodlums actively tried to obstruct his entry, which provoked a strong reaction and resistance from Governor Alia's supporters. This confrontation tragically led to one individual being stabbed. Prompt and decisive intervention by security personnel was crucial in de-escalating the volatile situation, which had gravely threatened to derail the historically significant event, attended by a host of prominent political gladiators and top businessmen from both Benue and across Nigeria. Further amplifying the observable political friction, the seating arrangement between Senator George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and a former governor of Benue State, and Governor Alia, was noticeably distanced. This physical separation strongly suggested a deepening political impasse between the two leaders, contrary to expectations that they would sit together to discuss common issues and the development of the state. Senator Akume, during his address, made an indirect but pointed criticism of Governor Alia, stating, “How can someone who wants to come back for a second term be fighting people? We know ourselves. We love our President, God bless Tinubu.”

In response to the political fracas that marred the Tiv Day event, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and one of the eighteen distinguished Nigerians conferred with honorary titles, issued an apology. He pledged his readiness to mediate and unite the warring factions within the party, with the expressed aim of enabling the ruling party to make a meaningful impact in the lead-up to the 2027 general elections.

President Tinubu, whose message was conveyed by SGF Akume, also took the opportunity to commend the Tiv people for their rich and enduring cultural heritage, as well as their substantial contributions to Nigeria's unity and national development. He underscored that the Tiv nation's traditions, values, and communal spirit play a vital role in strengthening the country's cultural diversity and fostering peaceful coexistence. The President characterized such heritage as an indispensable pillar for national cohesion and sustainable progress. He further recalled that the Tiv Cultural Day Celebration, which commenced in 1977, has consistently served as a vital platform for promoting unity and preserving cultural identity among the Tiv people, a model he suggested other ethnic groups in the country should emulate. Tinubu acknowledged the profound sacrifices made by the Tiv nation towards the preservation of Nigeria's corporate unity and the promotion of national development, citing the quality of persons from the Tiv nation serving meritoriously in key positions within his administration as evidence.

Moreover, President Tinubu reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of his