President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has rescheduled his official visit to Kaduna State to prioritize a critical peace mission to Benue State. The decision comes amidst persistent violence in Benue, which has claimed numerous lives and displaced entire communities, prompting outrage among citizens and criticism of the President's response. The Presidency, through a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, on Monday, announced that President Tinubu will now travel to Benue on Wednesday, June 18, 2025. The previously scheduled Kaduna visit will consequently take place a day later, on Thursday, June 19, 2025, where he is still expected to commission several state projects.

The President's visit to Benue is described as a renewed effort to directly engage stakeholders and bring lasting solutions to the protracted conflict. Its primary aim is to assess firsthand the recurring crisis that has led to significant destruction and loss of life, with reports indicating dozens, even hundreds, of casualties in recent attacks, such as those in Yelewata community, Guma Local Government Area.

During his stay in Benue, President Tinubu intends to meet with a broad spectrum of stakeholders. These include traditional rulers, political and religious leaders, community leaders, youth groups, and security officials. A key highlight of the visit will be a town hall meeting, designed to provide an open platform for grievances to be aired and practical solutions to be proposed for the hostilities. This multi-faceted approach seeks to foster peace, love, and mutual understanding among the state’s diverse communities.

In preparation for the visit, President Tinubu has already dispatched key figures in his administration to Benue State. These officials include the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), the National Security Adviser (NSA), the Inspector General of Police (IGP), heads of intelligence agencies, and the Chairmen of both the Senate and House Committees on Defence. Their mandate is to engage local leaders and communities, laying the groundwork for the President's direct intervention.

The communal unrest in Benue State is largely characterized by clashes between nomadic herders and settled farmers, fueled by competition over land. While farmers accuse herders, primarily of Fulani origin, of grazing livestock on their farms and destroying crops, herders contend that these lands are historical grazing routes. President Tinubu has previously condemned the violence and extended heartfelt condolences to the families of victims, urging leaders to act responsibly in de-escalating tensions. Despite the necessitated schedule change, the Presidency affirmed President Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to his Kaduna engagement.