President Bola Tinubu has bowed to public criticisms and will be visiting Benue State on Wednesday following the herdsmen attack on the Yelewata community.

Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga said in a statement on Monday that Mr Tinubu had cancelled his scheduled visit to Kaduna on Wednesday.

“President Bola Tinubu has rescheduled his official visit to Kaduna State,” said Mr Onanuga. “Instead, he will travel to Benue State on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, as part of renewed efforts to foster peace and address the persistent conflict affecting communities in the state.”

Mr Onanuga said Mr Tinubu would meet with stakeholders to discuss solutions to the attacks.

He stated, “The president’s visit aims to assess firsthand the recurring crisis that has claimed numerous lives and caused significant destruction. During his stay, President Tinubu will meet with all stakeholders—including traditional rulers, political, religious, community leaders, and youth groups—to seek lasting solutions to the hostilities.”

Herdsmen attacks on Yelewata in Guma local government area left hundreds dead over the weekend, sparking criticisms of Mr Tinubu’s government, as many labelled him an incompetent leader.

Peoples Gazette reported that Mr Tinubu remained silent for over 24 hours after the incident, while Pope Leo XIV in the Vatican condemned the killings and prayed for the victims.

Later on Sunday, Mr Tinubu, in a statement by Mr Onanuga, “Described the killings and bloodletting as inhuman and anti-progress, calling on political leaders and community leaders in conflict areas to stop fuelling the crisis through unguarded utterances and statements that could further inflame tensions.”

While ordering security agencies to go after perpetrators of Benue killings, Mr Tinubu said, “Political and community leaders in Benue State must act responsibly and avoid inflammatory utterances that could further increase tensions and killings.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar on Monday condemned the “indifference” and silence with which Mr Tinubu was approaching the killing in Benue State and other parts of the country.

In a statement, Mr Abubakar blasted Nigerian leaders at all levels for being insouciant about the tragic killing of innocent Nigerians in the country, accusing Mr Tinubu of being obsessed with power.