Benue State Declares June 18 Public Holiday Ahead of President Tinubu’s Visit: Government Urges Residents to Come Out En Masse
In a move reflecting the gravity of recent tragedies and the significance of the planned presidential visit, the Benue State Government has declared Wednesday, June 18, 2025, as a public holiday. This decision was made in preparation for a one-day condolence visit by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who is expected to visit the state to sympathize with the people and government of Benue following a series of violent attacks that have claimed many lives and devastated several communities.
This announcement was formally made through a statement released by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Serumun Deborah Aber, who explained the purpose of the holiday and outlined what the state expects from its residents during the president’s visit.
“The President is expected in the state on a one-day condolence visit to commiserate with the government and people of Benue over the increased violent attacks that have led to numerous deaths,” the statement read.
The state government emphasized that June 18 will be observed as a work-free day, urging residents across Benue to come out en masse to welcome President Tinubu as he pays his respects and acknowledges the pain, suffering, and losses endured by citizens, especially in rural and farming communities that have been most affected.
However, the statement clarified that the public holiday does not apply to essential service workers, including those in medical services, security operations, and the banking sector. These categories of professionals are expected to remain at their posts in order to ensure smooth running of critical services, especially given the sensitive nature of the presidential visit.
“The directive excludes workers in essential services, including medical personnel, security agencies, and banking institutions,” the state clarified.
Context of the Visit: Ongoing Violence and Mass Killings in Benue State
The President’s visit to Benue comes at a time of intense grief and rising insecurity in the state. Over the past few weeks, Benue has witnessed a renewed wave of attacks by suspected armed herdsmen and bandits, particularly in Yelwata, a community located in Guma Local Government Area (LGA). These attacks have resulted in the deaths of scores of innocent residents, with hundreds left injured or displaced.
Eyewitness accounts and local leaders have described the scenes of destruction as "apocalyptic," with villages burnt to the ground, children orphaned, and families torn apart. The situation has prompted outrage, sorrow, and deep concern, not just within Benue but across Nigeria and the international community.
Several prominent figures have reacted to the violence, including the Inspector General of Police, the Chief of Defence Staff, and former Senate President David Mark, all of whom have visited the state in recent days. In one of his statements, David Mark warned that if the federal government fails to act decisively, residents may resort to self-defence.
“The government must rise to the occasion. If nothing is done urgently, people may begin to defend themselves with whatever means available,” Mark warned.
President Tinubu’s Condolence Visit: Symbolic but Critical
The declaration of a public holiday to mark the President’s visit is not just ceremonial—it carries deep symbolic meaning. It signals the importance that the Benue State Government places on federal recognition of the suffering of its people. It also provides the opportunity for residents to personally interact with the President, voice their concerns, and receive assurance that national attention is being paid to their plight.
By visiting Benue in person, President Tinubu is expected to deliver a message of empathy and solidarity, while also outlining concrete steps that his administration intends to take in order to address the rising insecurity in the Middle Belt region. Stakeholders and citizens alike are watching closely, hoping that the visit will not just be another photo opportunity, but a turning point in how the federal government responds to rural violence.
Government’s Appeal: Come Out En Masse to Receive the President
One of the central themes of the government’s statement was the appeal to citizens to turn out in large numbers to welcome the President. The administration stressed the need for unity and support, particularly during this somber period of mourning and reflection.
“The government urged residents to come out en-masse to welcome the President,” the statement urged.
By encouraging a mass turnout, the state is aiming to show both the resilience of its people and the importance of national solidarity in the face of terrorism and violent extremism. It also hopes to send a message to the attackers that the people of Benue are not alone, and that the Nigerian government stands with them.
Reactions from the Public
The announcement has drawn mixed reactions from the public. While some have praised the decision as timely and respectful, others have expressed skepticism, questioning whether the presidential visit will lead to any tangible changes on the ground.
“I hope this is not just another political visit,” said one resident in Makurdi. “Our people are dying, our villages are being wiped out, and we need more than condolences—we need action.”
Civil society groups have also weighed in, urging the President to use the opportunity to announce increased security deployments, support for displaced persons, and a comprehensive agricultural reform strategy to address the underlying issues that have led to clashes between farmers and herders.
A Call for Unity, Security, and Lasting Peace
As the people of Benue prepare to host the President, the mood remains somber but hopeful. The public holiday is not just a break from work—it is a moment of national reckoning, a time to remember those who have died, and an opportunity to call for justice and long-term solutions.
Benue State has long been at the center of Nigeria’s security challenges, especially in terms of farmer-herder conflicts, land disputes, and armed criminality. What the people need now is not just federal visits, but a holistic policy approach that includes:
-
Stronger military and police presence in vulnerable communities
-
Real-time intelligence gathering and swift response mechanisms
-
Support for internally displaced persons (IDPs)
-
Long-term conflict resolution and peacebuilding frameworks
-
Economic support for rebuilding communities destroyed by violence
Final Thoughts: Will This Visit Make a Difference?
Only time will tell whether President Tinubu’s condolence visit to Benue will lead to significant policy shifts or security improvements. However, the June 18 public holiday, the expected turnout of citizens, and the media attention surrounding the visit present a rare chance for the federal government to show leadership and empathy.
For many in Benue, this visit is more than political—it’s personal. It’s about being seen, heard, and protected by the highest office in the land.
As residents await the President’s arrival, one thing is clear: Benue is crying out not just for condolences—but for peace, protection, and purposeful leadership.
