President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has shifted his earlier scheduled official visit to Kaduna State and will now travel to Benue State on Wednesday, following fresh outbreak of violence in the state that has left over 200 people dead in recent days.
A statement issued on Monday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, explained that the change in itinerary is part of the President’s renewed efforts to restore peace and security in Benue communities hit by the crisis.
According to Onanuga, the President is visiting the troubled areas to see things for himself and engage directly with key stakeholders, including traditional rulers, political leaders, religious figures, community heads, and youth groups, with the aim of finding lasting solutions to the unrest.
He said, “President Tinubu will hold a town hall meeting with stakeholders during the visit to discuss the issues on ground and explore ways forward.”
Ahead of the visit, the Presidency has dispatched high-level government and security officials to Benue. These include the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), the Inspector General of Police (IGP), heads of intelligence agencies, the National Security Adviser (NSA), and the Chairmen of the Senate and House Committees on Defence.
President Tinubu, who had earlier condemned the attacks, once again extended his condolences to the families of victims and all those affected by the crisis. He called on residents and community leaders to embrace peace, unity, and mutual respect.
Initially, Tinubu was scheduled to be in Kaduna on Wednesday, June 19, 2025, to commission various projects. That visit has now been shifted to Thursday.
The renewed wave of killings in Benue has sparked widespread outrage, with many Nigerians calling on the Federal Government to take urgent action. Former presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, recently criticised the President for not visiting Benue and Niger states earlier despite the recent tragedies.
The Presidency, however, maintains that Tinubu is committed to restoring peace and security across the country.
