The President of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari finally made ‘the visit’ to troubled Benue State, to commisurate with the Governor and people of the State. The visit which is coming after weeks of continued Herdsmen/farmers attacks, has attracted alot of reactions, both in favour and against as expected. It is no longer news that some States in the North Central zone of the country, mainly Benue State, Nassarawa, Taraba and Plateau States and some parts of the other Northern States have been worst hit by the incessant herdsmen and farmers attacks. But since the incident, especially that of Benue State where it was alleged that over 76 persons were killed by Herdsmen, the President has failed to visit the State until now after the public outcry.
Though the Presidency has continued to condemn the killings going on in the country, most stakeholders within and outside Benue State, has faulted his delayed approach in visiting the State. A visit they feel could end the crisis going on in that zone. So far, the President has gone round the troubled States, with Benue being his last, and in so doing, met some Stakeholders in the State and security agents, to see the way forward at ending the crisis.
The President who has since arrived back to the Aso Villa after the visit, said at the Benue Stakeholders meeting that:
My message to the people of Benue today, during my visit: We are doing everything possible to end the recurring attacks by armed herdsmen in various parts of Nigeria.
I also appealed to them to please give the security agencies a chance to deal with the situation decisively. will not be President forever, Governor Ortom will not be Governor forever. Long after our service, farmers and herdsmen in Benue and elsewhere in Nigeria will still exist and will live and work side-by-side. It is our hope that this co-existence will always be a peaceful one.There are more than 250 ethnic groups in Nigeria, with different cultures and beliefs. God has put us together for a reason, and we can live peacefully together. On our part as Government I assure that we will diligently fulfill our duty of security and law enforcement.
Once again I sympathize with the people of Benue State, and the families of all those who‘ve lost their lives in these attacks. The security agencies will continue to work to protect all Nigerians. And we will not allow anyone who takes the life of a Nigerian to evade justice.