President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has rescheduled his official visit to Kaduna State to prioritise a peace mission to Benue State, where persistent violence has claimed lives and displaced entire communities.
The President will now travel to Benue on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, in what the Presidency describes as a renewed effort to directly engage stakeholders and bring lasting solutions to the protracted conflict.
The announcement, made in a statement by Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Monday, said the Kaduna visit—initially slated for Wednesday—will now take place a day later, on Thursday, June 19.
President Tinubu’s visit to Benue comes against the backdrop of escalating communal unrest that has left a trail of destruction in its wake. According to the Presidency, the President intends to meet with a broad spectrum of stakeholders including traditional rulers, political and religious leaders, youth groups, and security officials.
The goal, the statement said, is “to assess firsthand the recurring crisis that has claimed numerous lives and caused significant destruction.”
To prepare the ground, Tinubu has already dispatched key figures in his administration to the state, including the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the National Security Adviser, the Inspector General of Police, and the heads of intelligence agencies. The Chairmen of the Senate and House Committees on Defence have also been sent ahead to engage local leaders and communities.
President Tinubu has repeatedly condemned the violence plaguing Benue and has called for “peace, love, and mutual understanding” among the state’s diverse communities. In his previous remarks, he extended heartfelt condolences to the families of victims and urged political and community leaders to act responsibly in de-escalating tensions.
While the situation in Benue has necessitated a schedule change, the Presidency confirmed that President Tinubu remains committed to his Kaduna engagement, where he is expected to commission several state projects. That visit is now set for Thursday, June 19.
Chioma Kalu
