Benue: A Clear Response To Taming Insecurity, Restoring Lasting Peace

A lot has changed since Rev. Fr Hyacinth Iormem Alia took over the leadership of Benue State on May 29, 2023. A lot of positive things are happening, the landscape has significantly changed, hopes are being restored, stability all around, and peace steadily improving beyond measure.

Indeed, in the area of securing the state and its people, the collaborative efforts between the state and Federal Government has resulted in making Benue State safer than it was prior to May 29, 2023.

It is on record that before Governor Alia’s administration, insecurity has affected a total of 17 local government areas in Benue State. However, about three years down the line, the security situation has been largely stabilised in fourteen out of the 17 local government areas. Today, the government is pushing human and material resources to liberate the remaining three local government areas from the desperate terrorists operating there, particularly in border communities.

The determination of Governor Alia to deal with the terrorists manifested last week when he held a strategic security meeting with his Taraba State counterpart, Governor Agbu Kefas, and later the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu. The engagement with Kefas is to strengthen cross-border collaboration to tackle insecurity along their shared boundaries.

On the other hand, the collaboration with Federal authorities has facilitated the swift deployment of three battalions within 24 hours following a recent security breach in the state. This close collaboration has helped to significantly reduce insecurity across the state. The sustained efforts have reduced the number of high-risk areas to three, with relative peace now being experienced even in those locations.

In driving the successes and ensuring lasting peace, communities must support security agencies with credible intelligence and must serve as strategic partners in safeguarding lives and property across Benue State.

This much was made clear by the Chief of Army Staff when he visited traditional rulers in the state and emphasised that the support of traditional institutions remains pivotal to achieving sustainable peace not just in Benue state, but across the country.

His appeal is for the Tor Tiv, His Royal Majesty Prof. James Ortese Iorzua Ayatse and the Och’Idoma, HRM Agabaidu Elaigwu Odogbo and other traditional rulers across the state to lend their moral authority and grassroots influence toward mobilising communities against criminality. This is pivotal because traditional leaders play a critical role in shaping public perception, promoting peaceful coexistence, and discouraging any form of collaboration with criminal elements.

“Security is a shared responsibility. While the Armed Forces will continue to apply decisive force against enemies of the state, enduring stability can only be achieved when communities reject violence, refuse to shield criminals and actively support lawful authority” the COAS said.

No doubt, security forces are doing a lot to ensure peace in Benue State through joint operations, the deployment of special forces and through the Joint Task Force Operation Whirl Stroke.

While the military and other security forces continue to relentlessly pursue the terrorists, kidnappers and bandits, the administration of Governor Alia has been supporting troops with operational assets including drones, motorcycles, and vehicles, and providing educational support to families of fallen soldiers and other security personnel.

– Bridget Tikyaa, Principal Special Assistant to the Governor on Media Publicity and Communications Strategy