President Tinubu Offers Condolences, Plans Visit to Benue State Amid Ongoing Killings
Abuja, Nigeria – June 16, 2025 – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has extended heartfelt condolences to the leadership and people of Benue State following a series of violent killings that have plagued the region. In a statement released on Monday, the President expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and the suffering endured by communities in the state, emphasizing the federal government’s commitment to addressing the crisis.
“The leadership and people of Benue State should accept our condolences,” President Tinubu said. “The pain of these tragic events weighs heavily on our hearts, and we stand in solidarity with the affected families and communities.”
In a significant move, President Tinubu announced that he would adjust his schedule to visit Benue State on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, to engage directly with the people and assess the situation on the ground. The decision underscores the urgency of addressing the recurring violence in the state, which has been attributed to clashes involving herders, farmers, and other groups, leading to significant loss of life and displacement.
To prioritize the Benue visit, the President rescheduled a planned trip to Kaduna, signaling his administration’s focus on tackling security challenges in one of Nigeria’s most affected regions. “I will be in Benue on Wednesday to meet with the people, listen to their concerns, and work with local leaders to find lasting solutions,” Tinubu stated.
Benue State has faced persistent security challenges, with reports of attacks on rural communities, destruction of farmlands, and widespread displacement. The violence has exacerbated tensions in the region, prompting calls for stronger government intervention to restore peace and ensure justice for victims.
President Tinubu’s visit is expected to include meetings with state officials, traditional leaders, and community representatives to discuss strategies for de-escalating the violence and fostering reconciliation. The federal government has also pledged to strengthen security measures, including deploying additional resources to protect vulnerable communities and address the root causes of the conflicts.
The President’s announcement has been met with cautious optimism by some residents of Benue, who hope the visit will lead to concrete actions to curb the violence. However, others have expressed skepticism, citing the need for sustained efforts beyond symbolic gestures to achieve lasting peace.
As Nigeria grapples with multiple security challenges, including banditry, insurgency, and communal clashes, President Tinubu’s visit to Benue is seen as a critical step toward addressing one of the nation’s most pressing crises. The federal government has called for unity and cooperation among all stakeholders to restore stability and promote peaceful coexistence in Benue State and beyond.
