Tinubu postpones Kaduna visit, redirects focus to Benue on Wednesday

Abdullateef Fowewe

President Bola Tinubu has postponed his planned trip to Kaduna State, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, announced the change in a statement released on Monday, underscoring the administration’s commitment to resolving community conflicts in Benue.

Instead, he will visit Benue State on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, to strengthen peace initiatives and tackle ongoing conflicts in the region.

The statement says, “The President’s visit aims to assess firsthand the recurring crisis that has claimed numerous lives and caused significant destruction.”

It was gathered that Tinubu was scheduled to visit Kaduna State on Wednesday to commission various state government projects.

However, the official visit to the Northwest will now occur on Thursday, June 19, 2025.

During his stay, 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.

“The President is expected to hold a town hall meeting with all stakeholders during the visit,” the statement read.

The intended visit follows a brutal assault on Yelwata community in Guma Local Government Area, Benue State, that resulted in over 200 deaths and widespread destruction, including homes and farmlands set ablaze by suspected armed herdsmen.

The attack, which reportedly occurred late Friday into early Saturday, left many injured and thousands displaced, with survivours recounting horrific scenes of families burnt alive and buildings razed.

Security forces reportedly engaged the attackers in gunfire, with some assailants killed during the confrontation.

However, Tinubu has on Sunday condemned the ongoing violence in Benue State and urgedall leaders and residents to embrace peace, love, and mutual understanding.

He extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and to all those who have suffered losses as a result of the crisis.