President Bola Tinubu arrived in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, as part of a high-level effort to address the escalating communal violence and recent attacks that have claimed numerous lives in the state. His visit specifically aimed to commiserate with victims and assess firsthand the crisis, particularly in Guma Local Government Area, where over 100 residents, including those in Yelewata and Daudu communities, were brutally killed by suspected criminal elements, widely identified as herders. This surge in violence has sparked widespread outrage and concern.

The President's aircraft touched down at the Tactical Air Command, Nigerian Air Force Base, Makurdi, at approximately 12:58 p.m. He was warmly received by Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia and other high-ranking state and federal government officials, marking his first official visit to the North-Central state since assuming office in May 2023.

During his stay, President Tinubu's itinerary included a visit to Yelewata, the epicenter of the most recent massacres, to offer condolences to the affected communities. He was also scheduled to visit injured victims receiving medical attention at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH). A key component of his visit was a town hall meeting at the Government House, Makurdi, where he engaged with a diverse range of stakeholders. These included traditional rulers, political, religious, and community leaders, youth groups, security chiefs, local government officials, and civil society organizations, all convened to seek enduring solutions to the pervasive insecurity in the state.

The violence in Benue State is rooted in recurring clashes between nomadic herders, predominantly of Fulani origin, and settled farmers, fueled by competition over land resources. While farmers accuse herders of destroying crops, herders claim historical grazing routes. This conflict has led to significant displacement, with over 3,000 people displaced from their homes, and more than 500 lives reportedly lost to violence in Benue State in 2025 alone. President Tinubu had previously condemned these "inhuman and senseless" killings, calling for peace and extending condolences to the victims' families. Prior to his arrival, he had dispatched a high-powered delegation, including the Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, and Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, to prepare for his visit and consult with local leaders.

In anticipation of the presidential visit, the Benue State government declared Wednesday, June 18, 2025, a public holiday, enabling widespread public participation and observation of the President's intervention. Additionally, Governor Hyacinth Alia had earlier declared a three-day mourning period, from June 18 to June 20, for the victims, while urging security agencies to apprehend the perpetrators and ensure justice.

President Tinubu's visit is widely regarded as a critical test of his administration's commitment and readiness to tackle deep-seated insecurity issues, particularly in states ravaged by banditry, herder-farmer conflicts, and communal clashes. Despite the gravity of the situation, logistical challenges arose, as severe flooding rendered the Lafia-Makurdi road impassable following heavy rainfall. This disruption raised concerns for the movement of the presidential advance team and security personnel, highlighting the complex environment of the visit.

Originally, President Tinubu was slated to visit Kaduna State on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, to commission various state government projects. However, he prioritized the dire situation in Benue, postponing the Kaduna trip to Thursday, June 19, 2025, underscoring the urgency and importance he placed on addressing the crisis in Benue State.