President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected in Benue State on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, for a one-day condolence visit following the gruesome killings in Yelewata and other communities, prompting the state government to declare a public holiday in his honor.
The announcement came via an official statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Serumun Deborah Aber, late Tuesday. According to the release, the holiday is to enable residents across the state to welcome the President and his delegation during the visit, which the government described as both “significant and symbolic.”
The statement, however, made clear that essential workers—including health personnel, security operatives, and banking institutions—are exempted from the work-free day to ensure uninterrupted critical services.
President Tinubu’s visit follows weeks of intense criticism from citizens, political leaders, and rights groups over what many described as a delayed and inadequate federal response to the Yelewata massacre, where over 300 lives were reportedly lost.
The President had earlier signaled his intention to cut short his international schedule to personally commiserate with the people of Benue State, in light of what is being called one of the deadliest attacks in the state’s recent history.
This is Tinubu’s first official visit to Benue since assuming office in 2023, and expectations are high that it will come with concrete federal assurances—ranging from justice for victims to intensified security across vulnerable communities.
Security has been heightened in Makurdi, the state capital, and surrounding areas ahead of the President’s arrival. Citizens have been advised to cooperate with law enforcement to ensure a peaceful and orderly visit.
