Benue Govt Declares Public Holiday for President Tinubu’s Visit Amid Rising Tensions, Over 100 Residents Killed

The Benue State Government has declared Wednesday, June 18, 2025, a public holiday to mark President Bola Tinubu’s official visit to the state.

According to a statement signed by Secretary to the State Government, Serumun Deborah, the holiday is intended to give citizens the opportunity to receive the president warmly.

The declaration comes amid public outrage over the rising death toll in Benue State, where more than 100 people were killed over the weekend in Yelewata.

President Tinubu’s visit is in response to the recent attacks on the state, and he will commiserate with the government and people of Benue over the incessant security crises.

The president’s visit aims to assess firsthand the recurring crisis that has claimed numerous lives and caused significant destruction.

Top government officials, including the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the National Security Adviser, and the Inspector General of Police, have been dispatched ahead of the president’s visit.

While workers in essential services like health workers, security agencies, and banks are exempted from the holiday, residents across the state are encouraged to come out in large numbers to welcome the president and his delegation.

Amnesty International has condemned the attacks, stating that the security measures the government claims to be implementing in the state are not working. Governor Hyacinth Alia has described the wave of violence as “directed, planned, and executed,” rather than mere communal clashes, and warned that the state is under siege.