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By Newspot Nigeria News Desk
Makurdi — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will visit Benue State on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, in a decisive response to the brutal wave of violence that has rocked communities across the state. The President’s visit comes just days after a string of deadly attacks in Guma Local Government Area left scores dead and many others displaced.
To prioritize the situation, President Tinubu has postponed his planned visit to Kaduna State—originally scheduled for the same day—until Thursday, June 19. The move underscores the urgency with which the federal government is treating the crisis in Benue.
During the visit, the President will hold a town hall meeting with key stakeholders, including traditional rulers, political figures, religious leaders, community heads, and youth groups. The goal is to foster open dialogue and lay the groundwork for sustainable peace in a region long plagued by violent conflict.
In advance of the visit, President Tinubu dispatched a high-powered federal delegation led by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation. Also in the delegation are the National Security Adviser, Inspector-General of Police, heads of intelligence agencies, and the chairmen of the Senate and House Committees on Defence.
The Nigeria Police Force confirmed the arrival of IGP Kayode Egbetokun in Benue in the early hours of Monday, June 16, announcing via its official X (formerly Twitter) handle that the police chief had ordered an immediate deployment of additional tactical teams to reinforce security across volatile areas.
President Tinubu, in an earlier statement, condemned the killings as “wanton” and “unacceptable,” calling for peace and mutual understanding among all communities in the state. He also extended his condolences to the families of victims and all affected residents.
Benue, a key agricultural belt in Nigeria’s Middle Belt, has for years suffered intermittent violence often linked to herder-farmer conflicts. However, the latest round of attacks—described by residents as among the worst in recent memory—has drawn national attention and demands for decisive action.
While security reinforcements are underway, experts say the long-term solution lies in deeper federal-state collaboration, improved intelligence coordination, and addressing underlying grievances through dialogue and development.
This report is published by Newspot Nigeria. Stay tuned for exclusive updates on the President’s Benue visit and other national developments.
