President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent visit to Benue State has sparked hope and expectations among the people, who have been grappling with the scourge of violent attacks from armed herders. The president’s visit, which was aimed at assessing the security situation in the state, has been hailed as a welcome development by the people, who are eager to see tangible solutions to their plight.
Benue State has been plagued by a series of calculated, deliberate, and intentional violent attacks (the latest being the massacre in Yelewata), with the intent of total annihilation of the people for the sole purpose of grabbing their land. This has led to a massive loss of lives and destruction of property. The people of the state, under the leadership of his excellency, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, have cried out time and again to the federal government, and President Tinubu’s visit has raised hopes that the federal government is finally taking the plight of the people more seriously.
During his visit, President Tinubu met with the governor, security agencies and other stakeholders, behind closed doors and directed the military and other security agencies to intensify their efforts to restore peace and security to the state. He also assured the people of Benue State that the federal government is committed to ensuring their safety and security.
The president’s directives to the security agencies, especially during the town hall meeting, gave a lot of hope to the people who are expecting to see positive results sooner rather than later. They are eager to see an end to the violence and insecurity that has plagued the state for so long. The people are hopeful that the president’s visit will mark a turning point in the fight against insecurity in the state.
One of the people’s key expectations is that the president’s visit will lead to an increased security presence in the state. The people want to see more soldiers, policemen, and other security agents deployed to the state, especially the villages, to protect them from attacks. They also want to see the security agencies working more effectively to identify and apprehend the perpetrators of violence and insecurity.
The people of Benue State also expect the president to address the root causes of insecurity in the state. This was made clear in the speech delivered by the Tor Tiv, the paramount ruler of the Tiv people worldwide and chairman of Benue State Traditional Council, HRM, Orchivirigh, Professor James Ortese Iorzua Ayatse CFR, when he said, “wrong diagnosis will lead to wrong treatment.” He said the Benue problem was not a clash but an attack on the peaceful and peace-loving farmers of the state. The people are therefore expectant that the government will address the core issues and contributing factors to the insecurity in the state.
In addition to these expectations, the people of Benue State are also hoping that the president’s visit will lead to reconciliation and peacebuilding in the state. The state has been plagued by such conflicts and violence that are, in some instances, encouraged by some political actors. This too was alluded to by the Tor Tiv. He said some are engineering and or backing conflicts to the extent that a state of emergency will be declared in the state and the Alia-led administration removed. This is totally unacceptable, and the people are eager to see the government working to bring people together and promote peace and understanding for the sake of the state.
President Tinubu’s visit to Benue State has been widely welcomed by the people, who are eager to see tangible results. The president’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of the people is a step in the right direction, and the people are hopeful that his directives will yield positive results.
As the people of Benue State await the implementation of the president’s directives, they are also calling on the government to ensure that the security agencies are equipped and empowered to carry out their duties effectively. They want to see the government provide the necessary resources and support to the security agencies, in addition to what Governor Alia has already provided, including the 100 Hilux Trucks and 600 motorbikes, so that they can effectively protect the people and restore peace to the state.
Another expectation of the people is a quick response to the demand by the state governor, His Excellency, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormen Alia, for the state police. This is very important. It is a well-known fact that for security to be adequate, it must be local. All countries of the world that have an effective security architecture build their base locally. The governor had requested the president to approve the establishment of state police to guarantee perfect intel as a result of perfect territorial knowledge and manoeuvrings to bring a total end to this menace.
In conclusion, President Tinubu’s visit to Benue State has raised hopes and expectations among the people, who are eager to see tangible solutions to their plight. The president’s directives to the security agencies are expected to yield positive results, and the people are hopeful that his visit will mark a turning point in the fight against insecurity in the state. As the people of Benue State await the implementation of the president’s directives, they are also calling on the government to ensure that the security agencies are equipped and empowered to carry out their duties effectively.
It is therefore not out of place to say that the success of the president’s visit will depend on the practical implementation of his directives. The people of Benue State are watching closely to see whether the government will deliver on its promises or give excuses. This is a test of the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of its citizens. The president must, therefore, ensure that the root causes of insecurity in Benue State are addressed permanently.
– Hon. Solomon Iorpev, is the technical adviser to the Benue State governor on media, publicity and strategic communication
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