President Bola Tinubu has shifted his planned Kaduna visit to travel to Benue State today in response to a deadly attack by armed herders that left over 200 people dead. His visit aims to promote peace and assess the damage firsthand.

Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga stated Tinubu would meet with key stakeholders, including traditional, political, and community leaders. Already, top security officials have been dispatched ahead of the visit.

Governor Hyacinth Alia confirmed that armed herders—many without cattle—were responsible for the recent attacks, using military-grade weapons. He said many of the attackers entered from Nasarawa and even Cameroon, raising border security concerns.

Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, condemned the killings, calling them economically motivated and not religious. He praised President Tinubu’s swift action and assured continued federal support for peace efforts.

Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, also visited Benue, describing the violence as terrorism. He deployed more tactical units and pledged full support to restore peace.

Meanwhile, both the Sultan of Sokoto and the Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN) condemned the violence. The JNI called it a national disgrace and urged proactive intelligence-led policing. The CCN questioned the effectiveness of security forces, demanding action beyond statements.

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) called for urgent prosecution of the attackers to end the cycle of impunity, stressing the need for the government to prioritize citizens’ safety over politics.