Presidential aide engages Benue leaders, communities over security, border issues
Benue State Engages in Community Dialogue to Address Security Concerns
Dr. Abiodun Essiet, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (North Central), has launched a three-day community dialogue and stakeholder engagement in Benue State. This initiative aims to address ongoing security challenges and foster grassroots peace-building.
Essiet’s visit involves consultations with state officials and interactions with communities affected by insecurity. This effort aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s strategy to enhance local participation in conflict resolution and improve collaboration on security and border management.
During her visit, Essiet met with Benue’s Deputy Governor, Sam Ode, to discuss the prevailing security situation and explore avenues for more effective cooperation between the Federal Government and the state on boundary and community issues. Ode provided insights into the measures the state government is implementing to tackle security challenges, particularly in border areas. He also highlighted ongoing partnerships with neighboring states, including Taraba and Nasarawa, to address cross-border insecurity, land disputes, and communal tensions.
Ode reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to collaborating with federal authorities to resolve boundary disputes and bolster peace and security.
Essiet also paid a courtesy call to Governor Hyacinth Alia, where she outlined the objectives of the three-day engagement and the broader goals of the community dialogue program. This meeting allowed both officials to share feedback from residents and community leaders while discussing strategies to enhance dialogue mechanisms and address local conflicts. Alia acknowledged the initiative and pointed out concerns raised by residents regarding the deteriorating condition of federal roads, which he indicated hampers the timely response of security agencies in rural emergencies.
In support of the initiative, Alia directed the state’s Department of Peace and Reconciliation and the Community Engagement Unit to collaborate closely with Essiet’s team during the visit. These departments will coordinate efforts to align activities with the state’s ongoing peace-building initiatives.
Throughout the program, Essiet is expected to assess the security situation in Kwande Local Government Area and engage with stakeholders across the Benue North-East Senatorial District. Additionally, she will convene a citizens’ assembly with representatives from various local government areas, promoting dialogue and peaceful coexistence.
This visit occurs amid ongoing security challenges and communal tensions that have impacted several communities in Benue State in recent years.
In related news, defense and security stakeholders have advocated for the establishment of trauma support centers for widows of fallen military personnel. They emphasize the need for psychological, emotional, and social assistance for families of service members who have lost their lives.
During an event hosted by Youth Ablaze in Abuja, Hussaina Bangshika urged both federal and state governments, as well as civil society groups, to collaborate in providing trauma support services. “The government must take the lead because the fallen troops died while serving the nation and protecting its territorial integrity,” she stated.
Bangshika noted that while some support systems exist, they often fall short and are typically short-term. She highlighted the long-term emotional strain faced by military families, especially during extended deployments, which creates uncertainty about their loved ones’ safety. Furthermore, she stressed the importance of specialized therapy for both widows and soldiers returning from conflict zones.
In a goodwill message, health journalist and public health advocate Moji Makanjuola asserted that no widow should bear the burden of her husband’s sacrifices. She called for increased government support for families of fallen heroes.
Lt.-Commander Ibrahim Babainna (retired), chairman of the organizing committee, remarked that a nation aspiring to inspire future generations must honor the bravery of its servicemen and women. Dr. Faith Eches, convener of the Heroes for Heroes Project, emphasized that the initiative aims to recognize courage, celebrate commitment, and acknowledge the sacrifices of individuals dedicated to national development.
