The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement, North Central, Mrs Abiodun Essiet, has visited Dyang Rim Ward in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State to assess security challenges and engage residents affected by prolonged conflict.
Essiet, who represented President Bola Tinubu during the visit, condoled with residents over recent losses and held discussions with women, youths, community leaders and other stakeholders.
The presidential aide was accompanied by the Chairman of Riyom Local Government Area during the engagement, which focused on insecurity, farmers-herders conflict and its impact on livelihoods.
Residents told the delegation that the conflict had persisted in the area for more than 26 years, resulting in loss of livelihoods, restrictions on movement and growing fear among community members.
The Chairman of Riyom LGA described the situation as difficult for residents, citing “insecurity, farmers-herders disputes and the disruption of economic activities among the major challenges facing communities.”
Community members also expressed concerns over the presence of cattle and armed individuals in their communities, while some alleged that bandits were operating alongside herding communities.
One community representative alleged that about 70 per cent of the community’s land had been taken over by herders and bandits.
The allegation was made by the community representative during the engagement and was not independently verified.
Residents, however, commended the Department of State Services and the military for their security efforts, particularly the DSS camp, which they said “had contributed to reducing attacks in the community.”
Women in Dyang Rim appealed for government intervention over the destruction of crops, saying “insecurity and the movement of cattle had adversely affected farming and household livelihoods.”
They further raised concerns over restrictions affecting their access to and benefits from mining activities in the area.
Responding to the concerns, Essiet acknowledged the issues raised by residents and stressed “the importance of sustained engagement with communities affected by insecurity.”
She said “the concerns raised would be communicated through the appropriate channels for further consideration and follow-up by relevant authorities.”
The engagement brought together community leaders, women, youths and other stakeholders to discuss possible ways of addressing the security and socio-economic challenges confronting Riyom and surrounding communities.
