Benue State remains in a state of uncertainty as key stakeholders continue to hold conflicting positions on the region’s security crisis, even after President Bola Tinubu’s recent visit to assess the situation.
Despite high hopes that the presidential intervention would bring clarity and solutions, community leaders, government officials, and local groups have maintained sharply divided opinions on how to address the persistent violence and displacement affecting the state.
During Tinubu’s visit, he met with Governor Hyacinth Alia, traditional rulers, and representatives of internally displaced persons (IDPs), pledging federal support to restore peace.
However, in the days following the engagement, stark disagreements have emerged among stakeholders about the root causes of the conflict and the best path forward.
While state authorities emphasise the need for a stronger military presence and stricter enforcement of anti-grazing laws, herder groups argue that such measures unfairly target their livelihoods without addressing underlying issues of resource scarcity.
Local farmers’ associations have expressed frustration over what they see as slow progress, pointing to continued attacks on rural communities and inadequate protection for vulnerable populations.
Meanwhile, civil society organisations are calling for a more inclusive dialogue process that involves all affected parties, warning that top-down solutions may fail without grassroots buy-in.
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cc: Daily Post Ng