President Bola Ahmed Tinubu arrived in Makurdi, the capital of Benue State, on June 18, 2025, at approximately 12:58 PM, landing at the Tactical Air Command, Nigerian Air Force Base. The visit, prompted by ongoing violent attacks that have claimed lives and disrupted communities, particularly in rural areas, underscores the administration’s commitment to addressing insecurity in the region.
To mark the significance of the occasion, the Benue State government declared a public holiday, allowing residents to engage with the President’s activities and fostering a sense of collective participation in the peace-building process.
The President’s itinerary includes a visit to the Yelwata community in Guma Local Government Area, one of the areas hardest hit by the violence. There, he has engaged with families of victims, displaced individuals, injured persons, and local community leaders to hear firsthand accounts of the crisis and offer condolences and support. These interactions aim to build trust and demonstrate the federal government’s solidarity with those affected.
A centerpiece of the visit is a major town hall meeting at the Banquet Hall of the Benue State Government House in Makurdi, where President Tinubu will preside over discussions with a broad spectrum of stakeholders. The meeting is designed to foster dialogue and develop sustainable solutions to the security challenges plaguing Benue, particularly in rural communities where ethnic and religious tensions have exacerbated conflicts.
The state’s complex diversity, encompassing groups such as the Tiv, Idoma, and Igede, necessitates inclusive approaches to conflict resolution, making the involvement of diverse leaders critical. Attendees at the town hall include high-profile national and state figures, such as Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia, governors from other North-Central states, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, and Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, a prominent Benue native.
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The presence of service chiefs, key members of the National Assembly, and leaders of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), including members of its National Working Committee, highlights the meeting’s national significance. Representatives of affected communities, traditional rulers from various ethnic groups, and the Elders’ Council will also participate, bringing grassroots perspectives to the table.
Their role in community mobilization and conflict resolution is seen as pivotal, given their influence and understanding of local dynamics. Additionally, the executive chairmen of Benue’s 23 Local Government Areas and members of the Benue State House of Assembly will attend, ensuring representation from all levels of governance.
Their involvement is expected to bridge local and state efforts with federal initiatives, creating a coordinated approach to tackling the crisis. The President’s visit and the town hall meeting are part of a broader strategy to address the root causes of violence in Benue, including farmer-herder clashes, communal disputes, and other security threats.
By engaging with a diverse array of stakeholders, Tinubu aims to foster collaboration and develop actionable policies that promote peace, security, and development in the state. The outcomes of these discussions are anticipated to influence national security strategies and provide a model for addressing similar challenges in other parts of Nigeria.
