Presidential aide consults Benue leaders, communities on security and boundary concerns

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (North Central), Dr. Abiodun Essiet, has begun a three-day stakeholder dialogue and community engagement exercise in Benue State as part of the Federal Government’s renewed efforts to address persistent security challenges and strengthen peacebuilding at the grassroots level.

The visit involves meetings with government officials as well as direct interaction with residents of communities affected by insecurity across the state.

The engagement is in line with the policy direction of President Bola Tinubu, which encourages community participation in conflict resolution while improving collaboration between local authorities and federal agencies on security and border management matters.

During the engagement, Essiet held discussions with the Deputy Governor of Benue State, Sam Ode, where both parties reviewed the current security situation and explored ways the Federal Government and the state can work more closely on community and boundary-related concerns.

Ode explained the steps already taken by the state government to tackle insecurity, especially in border communities where clashes and disputes have been reported.

He also highlighted the cooperation between Benue State and neighbouring states including Taraba and Nasarawa, noting that joint efforts are ongoing to address cross-border crime, land disagreements and communal conflicts along shared boundaries.

According to him, the Benue State Government remains committed to strengthening collaboration with federal authorities in order to resolve boundary disputes and maintain peace and stability in affected communities.

Essiet also paid a courtesy visit to Governor Hyacinth Alia, where she outlined the objectives of the three-day dialogue and the broader goals of the community engagement programme.

The meeting provided an opportunity for both sides to review feedback gathered from residents and community leaders, while also discussing ways to improve communication channels and conflict resolution mechanisms at the local level.

Governor Alia welcomed the initiative and drew attention to complaints raised by residents, particularly the poor condition of some federal roads in parts of the state.

He noted that damaged road infrastructure has made it difficult for security agencies to respond quickly during emergency situations in certain rural communities.

To ensure the success of the programme, the governor directed the Benue State Department of Peace and Reconciliation together with the Community Engagement Unit to work closely with Essiet’s team throughout the exercise.

He explained that the departments would coordinate activities and align them with existing peacebuilding programmes already being implemented by the state government.

As part of the engagement schedule, Essiet is expected to assess the security situation in Kwande Local Government Area and hold consultations with stakeholders across the Benue North-East Senatorial District.

She will also organise a citizens’ assembly bringing together representatives from Katsina-Ala, Konshisha, Kwande, Logo, Ukum, Ushongo and Vandeikya local government areas to encourage dialogue, cooperation and peaceful coexistence among communities.

The visit comes at a time when several communities in Benue State continue to experience security threats and communal tensions that have affected livelihoods and social stability in recent years.

Meanwhile, defence and security stakeholders have called for the creation of trauma support centres for widows of fallen military personnel.

They emphasised the importance of providing psychological, emotional and social assistance to families who lost loved ones while serving the nation.

According to the stakeholders, many widows face grief, trauma and financial hardship after the death of their spouses, making counselling services, rehabilitation programmes and welfare support very necessary.

Speaking during the Silent Heroes Coterie held under the Heroes for Heroes Project organised by Youth Ablaze in Abuja, Hussaina Bangshika urged both federal and state governments, as well as civil society organisations, to collaborate in providing structured trauma support services.

She stated that the government must take responsibility because the fallen soldiers died while protecting the country and defending its territorial integrity.

Bangshika explained that although some support initiatives exist, they are limited in scope and often short-term.

She added that military families usually endure long periods of emotional stress whenever their spouses are deployed, living with constant uncertainty about their safety.

According to her, the trauma experienced by families of military personnel can last for many years, which makes specialised therapy and long-term support necessary for widows as well as soldiers returning from conflict operations.

In a goodwill message, health journalist and public health advocate Moji Makanjuola said no widow should suffer for the sacrifice made by her husband in service to the nation.

She urged the government to strengthen welfare programmes for families of fallen heroes.

Chairman of the organising committee, Lt-Commander Ibrahim Babainna (rtd), said any nation that wants to inspire future generations must recognise and honour the courage of those who served.

Convener of the Heroes for Heroes Project, Dr Faith Eches, explained that the initiative is designed to recognise bravery, celebrate dedication and acknowledge the sacrifices made by individuals contributing to national development.