In a significant shift of plans, President Bola Tinubu has postponed his scheduled official visit to Kaduna State, opting instead to travel to Benue State on Wednesday, June 18, 2025. This decision highlights the federal government’s focus on tackling the persistent violence and unrest in Benue.
The announcement came through a statement signed by Bayo Onanuga, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, on Monday. Onanuga stated, “The President’s visit aims to assess firsthand the recurring crisis that has claimed numerous lives and caused significant destruction.”
The Kaduna visit, initially set for June 18 to commission various state government projects, has been rescheduled to Thursday, June 19, 2025.
President Tinubu’s itinerary in Benue will include meetings with a wide array of stakeholders such as traditional rulers, political leaders, religious figures, community heads, and youth groups. These consultations are designed to foster peace and find lasting solutions to the ongoing hostilities.
Ahead of the visit, the President has deployed a high-level delegation to Benue, comprising the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the Inspector General of Police, intelligence agency heads, the National Security Adviser, and the Chairmen of the Senate and House Defence Committees.
The statement emphasized, “The President is expected to hold a town hall meeting with all stakeholders during the visit,” signaling a transparent and participatory approach.
President Tinubu has previously condemned the violence and called on all parties to embrace peace, extending condolences to victims’ families and all affected by the crisis.