President Bola Tinubu has rescheduled his official visit to Kaduna State to prioritize a trip to Benue State, where ongoing conflict has claimed numerous lives and caused significant destruction.
According to the revised itinerary, President Tinubu will travel to Benue State on Wednesday, June 18, 2025.
The President’s visit aims to assess the situation firsthand and engage with stakeholders to find lasting solutions to the hostilities.
The decision to visit Benue State reflects the government’s renewed efforts to foster peace and stability in the region.
Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President (Information and Strategy), Bayo Onanuga said the President’s visit will involve meetings with key stakeholders, including traditional rulers, political, religious, community leaders, and youth groups.
Prior to the visit, President Tinubu has dispatched a team of officials to Benue State, comprising the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the Inspector General of Police, heads of intelligence agencies, the National Security Adviser, and the Chairmen of the Senate and House Defence Committees.
A town hall meeting with all stakeholders is also planned during the visit.
As part of his efforts to promote peace, President Tinubu has previously condemned the ongoing violence in Benue State.
The President’s concern for the welfare of the people is evident in his message, where he “extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and to all those who have suffered losses as a result of the crisis.”
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The statement from the presidency reads partly, “The President’s visit aims to assess firsthand the recurring crisis that has claimed numerous lives and caused significant destruction. During his stay, President Tinubu will meet with all stakeholders—including traditional rulers, political, religious, community leaders, and youth groups—to seek lasting solutions to the hostilities.”
The President’s scheduled visit to Kaduna State has been rescheduled to Thursday, June 19, 2025, where he will commission various state government projects.
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has directed security agencies to launch a decisive operation to hunt down those responsible for the recent massacre in Benue State, where over 200 people were killed in separate attacks across Guma Local Government Area.
The military has since been deployed to Makurdi and surrounding communities, with aerial surveillance ongoing to monitor the situation and respond swiftly to emerging threats. A military officer said the deployment is aimed at reassuring residents and demonstrating the military’s readiness to restore order.
The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun has taken charge of security coordination in the state, deploying special forces to volatile areas. Police authorities confirmed that several arrests have already been made, and efforts are underway to track down more suspects.
Governor Hyacinth Alia has pledged full support to the security agencies, promising to provide necessary logistics and resources to aid in restoring peace and order.
The attacks, which occurred in Yelwata and Daudu communities, have left dozens injured and displaced, with many residents still mourning their losses. The scale of the killings has drawn national and international outrage.
Crediblenewsng.com
