President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has changed his travel plans and will now visit Benue State on Wednesday, June 18, 2025.
The shift in schedule came shortly after Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, criticised the president for not visiting the violence-hit state despite the recent loss of many lives.
The presidency confirmed this change in a statement released Monday. The President was originally scheduled to travel to Kaduna on the same day to commission several state government projects. That Kaduna visit has now been moved to Thursday, June 19.
According to the statement from the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Tinubu’s visit to Benue aims to personally assess the ongoing crisis and engage key stakeholders in the region. “The President’s visit aims to assess firsthand the recurring crisis that has claimed numerous lives and caused significant destruction,” it stated.
The presidency noted that President Tinubu would meet with traditional rulers, political leaders, religious heads, community figures, and youth organisations. His goal is to listen to different perspectives and find a path toward long-term peace in the troubled region.
High-Level Delegation Sent Ahead of President’s Visit
To prepare for the visit, the president has already deployed a high-level delegation to Benue. Members of this delegation include the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the National Security Adviser, the Inspector General of Police, and leaders of the Senate and House defence committees.
These top officials were sent to assess the situation and consult with local authorities ahead of Tinubu’s arrival.
During his visit, the president is expected to hold a town hall meeting. This meeting will bring together all major stakeholders and give citizens a platform to share their concerns and ideas for peace.
The presidency believes that such open engagement can help stop the pattern of violence and loss currently affecting Benue communities.
President Tinubu has condemned the attacks and renewed his appeal for unity and calm. “I urge all residents and leaders in Benue to embrace peace, love, and mutual understanding,” he said.
He also offered condolences to families affected by the violence and to everyone who has lost homes, property, or loved ones due to the conflict.
The upcoming visit is a significant response from the federal government to the prolonged sectarian unrest in Benue. For weeks, hapless Benue indigenes have been victims of mass killings credited to armed herdsmen.
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