The Benue State Government has declared Wednesday, June 18, 2025, a public holiday in honour of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s scheduled visit to the state.
According to a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Serumun Deborah Aber, the President is expected to undertake a one-day condolence visit to commiserate with the government and people of Benue over the recent wave of violent attacks that have claimed numerous lives across various communities.
The statement emphasized that the public holiday is intended to allow residents the opportunity to come out en masse and give the President a warm and respectful reception.
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“This visit is of great symbolic and emotional significance,” the statement noted. “It offers the people of Benue the chance to hear directly from the President and receive assurances of support from the federal government in the wake of the tragic incidents.”
However, the government clarified that the public holiday does not apply to workers in essential services such as healthcare, security, and banking, who are expected to remain on duty to maintain critical services.
President Tinubu had earlier hinted at cutting short his engagements to prioritize a visit to Benue in light of the deadly attacks, which have drawn national concern.
Residents are urged to cooperate with security agencies and maintain peace and order during the President’s visit.