LUX TERRA ZONAL DIALOGUE INITIATIVE: BENUE STAKEHOLDERS CALL ON THE GOVERNMENT TO RISE UP AND STEM THE WIDESPREAD VIOLENCE IN THE LAND

LUX TERRA ZONAL DIALOGUE INITIATIVE: BENUE STAKEHOLDERS CALL ON THE GOVERNMENT TO RISE UP AND STEM THE WIDESPREAD VIOLENCE IN THE LAND

In continuation of the dialogue series organised by Lux Terra Leadership Foundation in partnership with the Savannah Centre for Diplomacy Democracy Development (SCDDD), stakeholders from different ethno-religious and civil society organisations, as well as representatives of media houses in Benue State, met for a one day multi-stakeholder dialogue session at the at Chateau d’Victoria Hotel, Makurdi, on Thursday April 29, 2021, to reflect on the ongoing challenges of the Nigerian state, and made recommendations for the much desired structural reform in Nigeria.

Executive Director of Lux Terra, Fr George Ehusani who was represented by Barr Mike Utsaha, welcomed all participants and charged them to reflect meaningfully on the challenges facing the nation and come out with viable recommendations that will take care of the genuine aspirations of the people of Benue State.

Among participants at the dialogue session were Terver Akase, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Benue State, Iorbee Ihagh, President general of Mdzough U Tiv and Ibrahim Galma, Secretary of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, Father Remigius Ihyula, Coordinator of Justice, Development and Peace Commission, as well as representatives of Religious and  Civil Society Organisations.  

The participants who all commended the initiative, urged government at all levels to take decisive actions to stem the violence that has today engulfed the nation, and emphasized the need for active collaboration and synergy between the states that share boundaries with Benue State towards tackling the challenge of insecurity in the State. 

They called specifically on the Federal Government to put in place measures and structures that will ensure justice and fair play in all elements of national governance, if peace and unity are to prevail, and if any measure of national integration is to be achieved. The participants looked forward to the harmonised recommendations of the ongoing dialogue events at the various state levels in the North Central zone and in the country at large.

Attached are images from the event.