Tinubu Cancels Official Assignment, Sends Advance Team to Benue Ahead of Wednesday Visit
By: Olufemi Orunsola
Nigeria's President, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, has rescheduled his official itinerary, preparatory to his visit to Benue State on Wednesday, June 18, 2025.
In a statement issued on Monday, June 16, the special adviser to the president on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said Tinubu will visit Benue for an assessment of the impact of crisis in the state.
He said, “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.”
Onanuga said the president has therefore cancelled his scheduled visit to Kaduna to travel to Benue as part of his administration’s renewed effort to foster peace and address the persistent conflict affecting communities in the state.
The announcement of the President's adjusted itinerary came after Tinubu ordered the Inspector-General of Police and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation to relocate to Benue State.
The president’s md week visit comes on the heels of the recent tragic attack, which led to the killing of over 200 residents in the Yelewata community in Benue State.
He added that during the visit, the president will get a first-hand assessment of the incessant killings and recurring crisis in the state
“During his stay, President Tinubu will meet with all stakeholders—including traditional rulers, political, religious, community leaders, and youth groups—to seek lasting solutions to the hostilities.
“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.
Onanuga also stated that the President is expected to hold a town hall meeting with all stakeholders during his visit to Benue.
Having issued directives to security agencies over the killings, the president had called in leaders in the state to embrace peace and mutual understanding.
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