President Bola Tinubu has rescheduled his official visit to Kaduna State, opting instead to travel to Benue State on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, to address the escalating communal violence in the region.
The decision comes as part of renewed efforts to foster peace and assess firsthand the humanitarian impact of the persistent conflict that has claimed numerous lives and caused widespread destruction.
During his visit, President Tinubu will engage with all stakeholders, including traditional rulers, political and religious leaders, community representatives, and youth groups, to seek lasting solutions to the hostilities. A town hall meeting has been scheduled as a platform for open dialogue and collaborative problem-solving.
In preparation for the visit, the President has deployed a high-level delegation comprising 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 Committees on Defence. This advance team will conduct preliminary assessments and lay the groundwork for the President’s engagements.
President Tinubu had previously condemned the violence in Benue State and called on all parties to embrace peace, love, and mutual understanding. He extended heartfelt condolences to the families of victims and all those affected by the crisis.
The originally planned visit to Kaduna State, where the President was scheduled to commission various state government projects, has now been postponed to Thursday, June 19, 2025.
Security agencies have been placed on high alert in Benue State, with additional personnel deployed to ensure safety during the presidential visit. The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, had also arrived Benue State on Monday to address the rising cases of killing in the state.
The presidency has assured that further updates regarding both the Benue peace mission and the rescheduled Kaduna visit will be communicated in due course.
