Federal Government making efforts to bring lasting stability to Benue – Presidential Spokesman

President Bola Tinubu's administration is diligently working to establish lasting peace in Benue's troubled communities, according to Dr Abiodun Essiet, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement, North Central.

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Essiet made this statement during her visit to communities in Kwande Local Government Area of Benue, which were recently attacked, on Friday.

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The SSA to the President reassured the people of Kwande and Benue that President Tinubu is fully informed about the situation and will ensure their concerns are addressed.

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Essiet had met with the director of the Department of State Services and the commander of Operation Whirl Stroke prior to her visit, to discuss concerns about delays in response and issues of trust, and they reassured her about the situation.

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She acknowledged the profound impact of the situation on the communities, stating that she was there to witness the situation firsthand and report back to the President.

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Essiet emphasized that as Commander-in-Chief, President Tinubu has supreme authority over all security operations.

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The Nigerian Army remains neutral and committed to protecting lives and property, and will not take sides or arm anyone, she assured the communities, asking for their patience as measures continue to be implemented.

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Essiet's team was in the area to document the communities' concerns and report back to the President, promising that improvements in security agency activities would soon be visible.

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Regarding natural resources, Essiet promised to communicate the people's concerns to the responsible minister, to facilitate a partnership between the federal and state governments to ensure resources benefit the communities.

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She stated that legal mining and corporate social responsibility initiatives should empower people, support education, build infrastructure, and provide social amenities, and that they would work with the communities to ensure the benefits reach them.

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This approach is part of a broader strategy, which led to the establishment of the Community Engagement Office, according to Essiet.

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The office manages engagement across the North Central region, prioritizing the voices of communities, and Essiet urged everyone to continue communicating openly so that their concerns can be effectively addressed.

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Mr Abaa Bichi, President of the Turan Development Association, stated that the attacks on the communities were not random, but rather organized and systemic, with the attackers using the Benue border with Taraba to unleash terror.

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Bichi emphasized that the activities of illegal miners were exacerbating insecurity in the area and called for the suspension of mining until peace is restored.

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He also called for the reconstruction of federal roads cutting across communities to enhance movement and boost security.

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Traditional rulers, women, youths, and displaced persons were present to receive the presidential team during the visit.