Tinubu's representative collaborates with law enforcement to halt violence in Benue

Dr. Abiodun Essiet, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement, North Central, embarked on a visit to security agencies in Benue, aiming to bring an end to the crises plaguing the state, as reported by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday.

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The visit saw Essiet meeting with the State Director, Department of State Services (DSS), Benue Command, as well as the Commander, Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), which oversees maintaining peace in Benue, Nasarawa, and Taraba states.

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According to Essiet, the purpose of the visit was to share community concerns gathered so far and discuss how to collectively address them to achieve peaceful communities.

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The SSA also expressed appreciation for the security agencies' efforts in maintaining peace in communities, highlighting the importance of their prompt response to crises.

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Essiet emphasized the need to strengthen community intelligence and support stakeholders to foster trust in the Federal Government and the military, with the ultimate goal of building peaceful communities across Benue.

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The SSA briefed the security agencies on a three-day plan, including visits to Kwande Local Government and other areas recently attacked, in an effort to further build working relationships and achieve peaceful communities.

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Maj.-Gen. Moses Gara, Commander, Operation Whirl Stroke, praised Essiet's visit as a crucial step in non-kinetic engagement to resolve the crisis, noting that the SSA is working tirelessly to promote dialogue among community members to address the crises.

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Gara revealed that discussions with Essiet centered on collaborative steps to restore peace and security in the area of operation, highlighting the importance of cooperation between security agencies and community leaders.

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The commander also mentioned that the recent deployment of a battalion to Kwande has significantly bolstered operational manpower in the troubled communities, marking a positive development in the quest for peace and stability.