President Bola Tinubu has announced a change in his official schedule, postponing his planned visit to Kaduna State to instead travel to Benue State on Wednesday, June 18.
According to a statement issued by Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the shift comes as part of intensified efforts by the Federal Government to tackle the ongoing conflict that has devastated communities in Benue, particularly the recent Yelwata massacre that claimed over 200 lives.
The President’s visit aims to provide a firsthand assessment of the persistent violence that has claimed numerous lives and caused widespread destruction.
In preparation for the visit, key government officials have already been deployed to Benue. These include 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.
A town hall meeting is also scheduled, where the President will directly interact with affected communities and leaders to foster dialogue and peace.
President Tinubu has consistently condemned the violence in Benue, urging all parties to embrace peace, love, and mutual understanding. He expressed his deepest condolences to the families of the victims and all those impacted by the crisis.
“The pain of loss is felt deeply across Benue and Nigeria as a whole. We must come together to restore peace and security for all our citizens,” President Tinubu said.
Originally, the President was slated to visit Kaduna on Wednesday to commission state government projects. This visit has now been rescheduled to Thursday, June 19.
