The Governor of Benue State, Hyacinth Alia, has declared Wednesday, June 19, 2025, as a public holiday to welcome President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who is visiting the state in the aftermath of a deadly assault that left dozens of residents dead and many others displaced.
The announcement was made by Joseph Alakali, Secretary to the State Government, on Tuesday. According to the statement, the public holiday will enable the people of Benue to give the President a rousing reception.
“His Excellency, Rev Fr Hyacinth Iormem Alia, the Executive Governor of Benue State, has declared Wednesday, 19th June 2025, as work-free day. This is to enable the people of the state accord the President a rousing welcome.
All Benue residents are enjoined to come out en masse to give Mr. President a rousing welcome,” Alakali said.
However, workers in essential services are exempt from the work-free day.
Tinubu to Hold Town Hall Over Guma Massacre
President Tinubu is expected to visit the Yelwata community in Guma Local Government Area, where no fewer than 59 villagers were killed in a brutal night attack last week.
Survivors recounted how gunmen stormed their homes, setting buildings and the local market ablaze, trapping many inside. Unconfirmed reports suggest that the actual death toll could be over 100.
During an earlier visit to the area, Governor Alia, alongside Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, and Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, condemned the massacre.
“This is indeed another black day in the history of our state. What has happened in this community is a clear case of genocide. Innocent people were killed in their homes, while some were burnt beyond recognition. We are tired of these attacks. This must stop,” Governor Alia said.
Federal Government Vows to Bring Perpetrators to Justice
In response, President Tinubu issued a statement condemning the killings in both Benue and Katsina States, describing them as “gruesome and unacceptable.”
“The security agencies have been given a clear directive to hunt down the perpetrators responsible for the heinous crimes in Katsina and Benue states. The full wrath of the law will be brought upon them,” Tinubu warned.
Benue State — Nigeria’s “Food Basket of the Nation” — has been a recurring flashpoint for violent farmer-herder clashes, leading to cycles of displacement, destruction, and death.
In May 2025, another 42 people were killed in a separate attack across four communities in the state.
The recent massacre has renewed calls for lasting peace and stronger security deployments to protect vulnerable rural populations.
