State governor declares public holiday
The Benue State Government has announced Wednesday, June 18, 2025, as a public holiday in honour of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s planned visit to the state.
This announcement was made in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Secretary to the State Government, Serumun Deborah Aber, and shared with the press.
President Tinubu is scheduled to pay a one-day condolence visit to sympathize with the government and people of Benue following a series of deadly attacks, including the recent massacre in Yelewata, Guma Local Government Area, which claimed over 200 lives and displaced thousands.
The Presidency had earlier confirmed that the President would reschedule his commitments in order to personally visit Benue—a gesture widely regarded as both symbolic and timely, especially amid growing national and international concern over the security situation in the state.
The state government noted that while the holiday applies to most workers, essential service providers such as health workers, security personnel, and bank staff are excluded from the directive.
In its appeal to residents, the government encouraged people across the state to turn out in large numbers to welcome the President and his entourage, describing the visit as an important moment for the state.
President Tinubu’s visit comes amid heightened tensions and renewed calls for stronger security measures in Benue, which has been plagued by repeated violent attacks in recent months.
