Ahead of President Bola Tinubu’s visit to Benue State today (Wednesday, June 18), to have a firsthand knowledge of the damage from the continued killings in the state, the state government has declared today a work free day.

This was even as the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, had already arrived in Benue ahead of Tinubu’s visit to the state.

According to a statement made available to journalists in Makurdi by the Secretary to the Benue State Government, Serumun Deborah Aber, those that are offering essential services such as health personnel, banks, security operatives are to report on duty.

The statement urged party stalwarts and stakeholders to come out en masse to welcome the president and his entourage.

In buildup to Tinubu’s visit, security has been beefed up as military top brass and other security operatives have arrived to take surveillance in the state.

Tinubu is expected in Benue to personally assess the situation, interface with security operatives and community leaders, and lead high-level peace and reconciliation efforts.

His visit comes on the heels of renewed attacks and reprisal killings in some parts of the state, which have drawn national outrage and grief.

In a statement issued by the State House, Tinubu condemned the bloodshed as “inhuman and anti-progress,” reiterating his earlier directive to security agencies to decisively restore order and arrest perpetrators on all sides of the conflict.

Top military, police, and intelligence officers are already on ground in Benue, coordinating field operations in response to the president’s directive.

Akume’s early arrival is part of the coordinated federal effort to ensure that the president’s mission is grounded in strategic planning and thorough community engagement.

Tinubu has also tasked Governor Hyacinth Alia with initiating dialogue and reconciliation among the warring groups, particularly between farmers and herders, to foster peace and stability.

He cautioned political and community leaders against inflammatory utterances, urging them instead to support peacebuilding through responsible leadership.

The presence of the SGF has heightened expectations that this intervention may mark a turning point in the struggle to end years of violence, restore confidence, and rebuild communal trust in Benue State.