The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (North Central), Abiodun Essiet, has begun a three-day dialogue with leaders and communities in Benue State. The visit aims to address security challenges and encourage peace-building through community participation. The engagement is part of the plan of Bola Ahmed Tinubu to strengthen cooperation between government and local communities.

During the visit, Essiet met with the Deputy Governor, Sam Ode, to review the security situation and discuss collaboration between federal and state authorities. The discussions also focused on issues affecting border communities and ways to improve conflict resolution in the state.

Officials explained that Benue is already working with neighbouring states like Taraba State and Nasarawa State to manage cross-border security threats and communal disputes. Essiet also paid a courtesy visit to Governor Hyacinth Alia, where they discussed strategies to improve dialogue with communities and strengthen peace initiatives.

As part of the programme, the presidential aide is expected to assess the situation in Kwande Local Government Area and host a citizens’ assembly involving leaders from several local government areas. The initiative is designed to promote peaceful coexistence and gather feedback from residents affected by insecurity in the region.