President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has shifted his planned visit to Kaduna State to focus on the ongoing crisis in Benue, where fresh attacks by alleged herders has continued to claim lives and displace communities.
The announcement was made in a statement released on Monday, by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
According to the statement, the President will now travel to Benue State on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, as part of fresh efforts to restore peace and stability in the troubled region.
“The President’s visit aims to assess firsthand the recurring crisis that has claimed numerous lives and caused significant destruction,” Onanuga said.
During the visit, President Tinubu is expected to meet with key stakeholders, including traditional rulers, political and religious leaders, community elders, and youth groups. The engagement, the presidency said, is aimed at finding a lasting solution to the repeated outbreaks of violence that have plagued the state.
To lay the groundwork for the President’s visit, a high-level delegation has already been deployed to Benue. Those in the advance team include the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the Inspector General of Police, the National Security Adviser, heads of the nation’s intelligence agencies, and the Chairmen of the Senate and House Committees on Defence.
“In preparation for the visit, President Tinubu has already dispatched 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 to Benue State”, the statement said.
A town hall meeting involving representatives of various communities and interest groups will also be held during Tinubu stay in the state, to encourage open dialogue and reconciliation.
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Meanwhile, the President has condemned the violence in Benue and has often emphasized the need for harmony among the diverse groups living in the region. He once again extended sympathy to families affected by the crisis.
“President Tinubu has previously condemned the ongoing violence in Benue State and called on all leaders and residents to embrace peace, love, and mutual understanding,” Onanuga noted.
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Before the rescheduling, Tinubu had been expected in Kaduna on Wednesday to commission several government projects. That visit will now take place on Thursday, June 19, 2025.
The statement read, “according to his itinerary released over the weekend, President Tinubu was scheduled to visit Kaduna State on Wednesday to commission various state government projects. However, the official visit will now occur on Thursday, June 19, 2025.”
