Yesterday, we successfully held the physical session of the Citizens’ Assembly in Ushongo Local Government Area, bringing together a broad spectrum of stakeholders from across the Benue North-East Senatorial District. In attendance were traditional rulers, religious leaders, farmers, herders, youth, and women drawn from Katsina-Ala, Konshisha, Kwande, Logo, Ukum, Ushongo, and Vandeikya LGAs.
The session provided an open platform for participants to engage in robust discussions, clearly articulating the challenges confronting their communities. Key issues raised included insecurity, infrastructural deficits, and the impact of recurring conflicts on livelihoods. The insecurity affecting the area was largely attributed to border disputes, farmer–herder clashes, and the activities of local actors who exploit tensions for personal gain.
The session provided an important platform for community voices to be heard and for practical recommendations to emerge as part of our ongoing efforts under the Presidential Community Engagement Peace Initiative to strengthen peace building efforts and promoting social cohesion. I paid a courtesy visit to the palace of the Tor Kwande I, HRH Zaki Ambrose Iortyegh. At his palace, I formally briefed the traditional ruler on the objectives of her visit, emphasizing that the mission was part of the Presidency’s commitment to engaging directly with communities affected by insecurity across the North-Central region.
The royal father commended the Federal Government for sending a representative to listen to the plight of the people and called for urgent and decisive action to restore peace in the affected areas. We proceeded to Jato-Aka in Kwande LGA for a condolence visit and on-the-spot assessment following the recent wave of attacks experienced by the community. During my interaction with community members, I briefed them on the ongoing efforts of the Federal Government to curb terrorist attacks and restore peace across the North Central and other affected parts of the country.
I reassured the community of Mr. President’s firm commitment to ending insecurity in Benue State and across the nation, while emphasizing the importance of collaboration between communities, security agencies, and local leaders in achieving sustainable peace. During my interaction with residents, community members narrated their experiences and the devastating impact of the attacks on their livelihoods. They expressed deep concerns over the frequent incursions by armed herders, which have resulted in displacement, loss of lives, and destruction of homes and farms. The indigenes passionately appealed to the Federal Government and to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for urgent intervention. Our engagements continue to reinforce the importance of listening directly to communities and ensuring that their concerns inform policy responses and security interventions