By John Moses
Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is scheduled to visit Benue State on 18 June as part of renewed efforts by the federal government to restore peace to a region plagued by persistent conflict and communal violence.
In a statement released on Monday, presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga confirmed that President Tinubu will engage directly with community stakeholders in an attempt to find long-term solutions to the insecurity that has devastated local populations.
“President Tinubu will meet with traditional leaders, political representatives, religious figures, and youth organisations,” the statement read. “The goal is to address the root causes of the recurring violence and foster reconciliation.”
Ahead of the visit, the President has dispatched a high-level federal delegation—including the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the Inspector General of Police, intelligence chiefs, the National Security Adviser, and the Defence Committee Chairs from both chambers of the National Assembly—to assess the situation on the ground.
President Tinubu is expected to hold a town hall meeting during his visit, where stakeholders will share their experiences and suggestions.
The President has previously condemned the violence that has rocked Benue communities, offering condolences to the families of victims and urging citizens to adopt peaceful and cooperative coexistence.
Due to the Benue engagement, Tinubu’s earlier plan to visit Kaduna State on 19 June to commission infrastructure projects has been rescheduled.
