The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (North Central), Hon. Dr. Abiodun Essiet, PhD, has successfully concluded a two-day peace mission to Benue State, reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to promoting sustainable peace and addressing the persistent herder–farmer crisis through dialogue, collaboration, and community engagement.
During the two-day visit, Dr. Essiet held a series of strategic engagements with key stakeholders aimed at strengthening peacebuilding efforts and fostering mutual understanding among affected communities.
Her engagements included a meeting with the Commander of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), Major General Moses Gara, a courtesy and condolence visit to the Paramount Ruler of the Idoma Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Agaba-Idu Dr. John Elaigwu Odogbo (Och’Idoma V), and a landmark peace dialogue involving Fulani community leaders and representatives of the Farmers’ Association from the nine Local Government Areas of Benue South (Zone C).
The peace dialogue provided an opportunity for frank and constructive discussions, culminating in a joint commitment by both herders and farmers to reject criminality, uphold justice, promote peaceful coexistence, and strengthen cooperation with security agencies in safeguarding lives and property.
At the conclusion of the mission, Dr. Essiet paid a briefing visit to the Executive Governor of Benue State, where she presented feedback gathered from the Fulani community, the Farmers’ Association, traditional rulers, security stakeholders, and other community representatives. She also outlined practical recommendations designed to sustain ongoing peacebuilding initiatives, deepen stakeholder collaboration, and strengthen mechanisms for conflict prevention across the state.
Speaking on the outcome of the mission, Dr. Essiet emphasized that lasting peace can only be achieved through continuous dialogue, mutual trust, and collective responsibility among government institutions, security agencies, traditional institutions, and local communities.
The peace mission further underscores the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to working closely with the Benue State Government, security agencies, traditional institutions, and community leaders to restore peace, strengthen social cohesion, and create an enabling environment for sustainable development across Benue State.