President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has confirmed his upcoming visit to Benue State on Wednesday in response to the sustained attacks and tragic killings of residents by suspected Fulani herdsmen. This commitment was made public on Monday while President Tinubu was inaugurating The Greater Abuja Water Supply Network—specifically Loops 1, 2, 5, and 6 within the Federal Capital City (FCC). “While I deeply sympathize with the people of Benue, I have communicated with the governor, the leadership, and the entire Benue populace to accept our heartfelt condolences. I urge them to make a conscious effort to sustain peace and unity among themselves,” Tinubu stated. He further emphasized the importance of national cohesion by saying, “I have always believed we are one large family sharing the same house, perhaps living in different rooms, but still under the same roof. Our diversity should fuel prosperity, not division. Let’s learn to manage our emotions and frustrations.” The president concluded by stating, “I will realign my schedule and visit the people of Benue this Wednesday.” Federal Security and Government Officials Already in Benue In a press release from Presidential Spokesperson Bayo Onanuga on Monday, it was clarified that President Tinubu’s visit is intended to personally assess the ongoing crisis that has led to countless deaths and widespread destruction. The statement read: “During this visit, the President will engage with various stakeholders — including traditional leaders, politicians, clergy, community elders, and youth organizations — to forge lasting peace solutions to the violent unrest.” To pave the way for this high-profile visit, President Tinubu has already dispatched key federal figures to Benue, including: President Tinubu is also expected to host a town hall meeting that will bring together all relevant stakeholders during his stay. Commitment to Peace in Benue The president has consistently condemned the ongoing violence in Benue State, urging all involved parties to embrace peace, love, and mutual respect. He has also expressed his condolences to families affected by the crisis and those who have suffered losses. Initially, Tinubu’s itinerary showed that he was set to commission various developmental projects in Kaduna State this Wednesday. However, his visit to Kaduna has now been rescheduled for Thursday, June 19, to accommodate his urgent trip to Benue.
The Principal Special Assistant (PSA) to the Governor of Benue State on Youth and Media Mobilization, Hon. Atu Terver Joseph, has relieved his Chief of Staff, Mr. John Ukeyima, and the Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Lubem Terkula, of their duties for allegedly participating in a public demonstration condemning ongoing mass killings in the state. The announcement came in the form of an official letter from Terver on Sunday night. In the letter, the PSA accused the two officials of undermining the state government’s stance by joining a protest that contradicted official directives. According to the PSA’s letter: “This serves as your formal notification of immediate and indefinite suspension from your positions as Chief of Staff and Chief Press Secretary, starting from June 14, 2025. “Your actions have been identified as directly opposing the outlined directives of your Principal. Such behavior represents a grave violation of the responsibilities and confidence entrusted to your office. “During this suspension, you are to abstain from all government functions and you are strictly forbidden from acting as a representative of this office or myself in any form.” LMSINT MEDIA gathered that hundreds of youths in Benue State took to the streets of Makurdi, the state capital, on Sunday in a large-scale protest aimed at spotlighting the escalating wave of fatal assaults by suspected Fulani herdsmen. This wave of public outrage followed a particularly horrific incident in the Yelewata community, situated in Guma Local Government Area, where nearly 250 civilians lost their lives in a recent attack.
