Tinubu schedules emergency visit to Benue over renewed attacks

President Bola Tinubu will visit Benue state on Wednesday to address the ongoing violence in the state.

In a statement signed by Bayo Onanuga, special adviser to the president on information and strategy, Tinubu’s scheduled visit to Kaduna state has been shifted to Thursday.

Tinubu’s visit to Benue is part of efforts to assess the situation firsthand and engage with stakeholders on resolving the crisis.

“He will meet with traditional rulers, political and religious leaders, community leaders, and youth groups to seek lasting solutions to the hostilities,” the statement reads.

“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.”

Ahead of the visit, Tinubu has dispatched top government officials to Benue, including the secretary to the government of the federation, the inspector-general of police, the national security adviser (NSA), heads of intelligence agencies, and the chairmen of the defence committees in the senate and house of representatives.

A town hall meeting with stakeholders is also scheduled as part of the president’s visit to the north-central state.

Tinubu has previously condemned the violence in Benue and urged residents and leaders to embrace peace and mutual understanding.

He also extended condolences to the families of those affected by the crisis and pledged decisive measures to prevent further violence in the state.