By Chiangi Avese, Makurdi
Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, has on behalf of the people of the state, warmly welcomes the announcement by the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to visit Benue State. The visit is expected to take place on Wednesday, June 18th, 2025.
Gov. Alia who described the visit as “a profound gesture of solidarity and compassion”, coming after the horrific terrorist attack on Yelewata in Guma Local Government Area, where very many innocent lives were lost to a brutal onslaught by armed herdsmen, hopes it will restore lasting peace to the state.
“It depicts the President’s concern and readiness to take a bold step in the face of worsening insecurity threatening the peace, dignity, and existence of our farming communities”, the Governor said.
According to the Governor “we are fully prepared to receive Mr. President. The visit represents not only a moment of national empathy, but a rare opportunity to directly interface with the Presidency on urgent security interventions needed to end the persistent killings and displacement of our people”.
Gov. Alia stressed that “If there is any state in the country that needs absolute peace, that state is Benue. This is because, as the ‘Food Basket of the Nation,’ Benue deserves peace, protection, and justice”.
A statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Tersoo Kula, said, “the Governor is confident that this historic visit will reinforce the commitment of the Federal Government towards restoring lasting peace and security to all troubled parts of the state”.
“As we invite all stakeholders to get ready to welcome and interface with Mr. President, we equally urge our people to remain calm, law-abiding, and prayerful as we receive the number one citizen of our great country”, the statement said.
