In a dramatic shift of itinerary, President Bola Tinubu has postponed his planned visit to Kaduna State, opting instead to head to Benue State on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, in a high-stakes move to confront the deadly conflict that continues to plague the region.
The announcement was made on Monday by Presidential Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, who said the president’s sudden change of plan underscores the gravity of the security crisis in Benue.
“The President’s visit aims to assess firsthand the recurring crisis that has claimed numerous lives and caused significant destruction,” Onanuga stated.
Originally scheduled to commission various projects in Kaduna on June 18, President Tinubu will now conduct that visit a day later, on Thursday, June 19, to prioritize peace talks and reconciliation efforts in Benue.
Observers say the decision is both a bold pivot and a stinging indictment of Nigeria’s worsening security landscape.
During his visit to Benue, Tinubu will engage a broad spectrum of stakeholders — including traditional rulers, political actors, religious leaders, community heads, and youth representatives — in a town hall meeting aimed at forging long-term solutions to the violence.
To set the stage, the presidency has already deployed a high-powered delegation led by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the Inspector General of Police, intelligence chiefs, the National Security Adviser, and top lawmakers from the National Assembly’s Defence Committees.
The President, who has repeatedly condemned the carnage in Benue, reiterated his “call for peace, love, and mutual understanding”, while extending condolences to the families of the victims and all who have suffered loss due to the ongoing violence.
But the move has sparked heated reactions online, with critics asking why it took this long for such a decisive step. Others argue the Kaduna reschedule reflects a government playing catch-up in the face of escalating insecurity.
As Tinubu heads to a state often labeled Nigeria’s killing field, all eyes will be watching — not just for speeches, but for action.
