President Bola Tinubu announced his plans to visit Benue State on Monday, following violent attacks by suspected herdsmen that have reportedly claimed over 200 lives.
He made this announcement during the inauguration of the Greater Abuja Water Supply Network in the nation’s capital.
The president’s Special Adviser on Media and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, subsequently confirmed that his principal postponed a scheduled visit to Kaduna to visit Benue “as part of renewed efforts to foster peace and address the persistent conflict affecting communities in the state”.
Onanuga added, “The President’s visit aims to assess firsthand the recurring crisis that has claimed numerous lives and caused significant destruction.
“During his stay, President Tinubu will meet with all stakeholders—including traditional rulers, political, religious, community leaders, and youth groups—to seek lasting solutions to the hostilities.
“In preparation for the visit, President Tinubu has already dispatched the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the Inspector General of Police, heads of intelligence agencies, the National Security Adviser, and the Chairmen of the Senate and House Defence Committees to Benue State.
“The President is expected to hold a town hall meeting with all stakeholders during the visit.”
On Sunday, Tinubu dispatched security chiefs to Benue and ordered the immediate restoration of peace in the state.
Speaking through Onanuga, Tinubu expressed concern over the latest round of reprisal killings and directed security chiefs, including intelligence agencies, the police, and the military, to take charge of operations in the state to restore calm.
Describing the killings as “inhuman and anti-progress,” Tinubu said the ongoing bloodshed must not continue unabated.
“Enough is now enough,” he declared.
“This is the time for Governor Alia to act as a statesman and immediately lead the process of dialogue and reconciliation that will bring peace to Benue. Our people must live in peace, and it is possible when leaders across the divides work together in harmony and differences are identified and addressed with fairness, openness and justice.”