The Board Chairman of Osun Amotekun Corps, AIG Wale Abbas (Rtd), has expressed optimism that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent visit to Benue State will significantly help address the persistent insecurity and killings of innocent residents across the state.
Abbas, who once served as the Commissioner of Police in Benue State, made this known on Wednesday during a media chat with journalists at the Amotekun Headquarters in Osogbo, the capital of Osun State.
Describing the President’s action as “a right step in the right direction,” Abbas said the visit would provide an opportunity for critical stakeholders to engage, analyse the root causes of the crisis, and develop lasting solutions to the security challenges plaguing the state.
“With the step Mr President is taking, I believe it will go a long way in solving the problem, if not eradicating it completely,” he said. “And I think this might be the first time a sitting President is visiting Benue to personally address this type of crisis. It’s the right step in the right direction.”
Abbas disclosed that high-level consultations were already underway, with key groups being brought into discussions.
“I learnt they are now meeting with stakeholders — and who are these stakeholders? The farmers, the Fulani groups, traditional rulers, opinion leaders, religious leaders, and, of course, security agencies,” he said.
“Everyone is coming together. I also gathered that the Inspector General of Police and the Chief of Defence Staff are already in Benue. These meetings will likely lead to concrete discussions and possibly a ‘riot act’ from the President.”
He further highlighted the nature of recurring conflicts between farmers and herders, noting that the lack of defined passageways for cattle often leads to the destruction of farmlands, sparking violence.
“For instance, when herders move through farmlands, crops are destroyed. The key question is — how do we stop or reduce this? Can we designate passageways or grazing areas for cows? Why not create ranches within a controlled system?”
Abbas recommended that state governments consider establishing ranches and regulating cattle rearing, even if it involves charging a fee.
He said: “The state government can create such systems. If you want to rear your cows within government ranches, then you pay a fee. That way, everything they need is provided in one place, and the clashes can be prevented.”
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