The Executive Governor of Benue State, Rev Fr Dr Hyacinth Iormem Alia, has announced the forthcoming Benue State Security Summit as part of his administration’s intensified efforts to curb escalating violence and restore peace across the state.
Governor Alia disclosed the plan on Saturday, April 12, during a high-level meeting at Government House Makurdi with the advisory team dispatched by the Chief of Defence Staff to assess the state’s security situation.
“Benue has experienced increased attacks in recent times, mostly concentrated in specific local government areas,” the governor stated. “The heat of it all is felt in Kwande, Ukum, Katsina-Ala, Logo, and Gwer-West. Our people in these areas have suffered more than what words can capture.”
He stressed that although insecurity is a nationwide challenge, the scale and impact on Benue communities have been particularly devastating. Governor Alia noted that his administration had already initiated collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser and was working closely with stakeholders from both the public and private sectors to organize the security summit.
“As I speak, we have a team that is working in conjunction with the state and private sector on having a Benue Security Summit,” he said. “We want to hold that first, and I’m already in talks with my colleague governors in the North Central for a broader North Central Security Summit.”
The Governor revealed that the state had also empowered the Civil Protection Guards to support conventional security agencies in addressing the violence, displacement, and instability affecting local populations.
Governor Alia expressed appreciation to the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, for his commitment to restoring peace in the state. He advised the visiting advisory team, led by Air Vice Marshal Emmanuel Oche (Rtd), to extend their fact-finding mission to neighbouring Taraba and Nasarawa States, emphasizing the transboundary nature of the security challenges.
He also urged the team to reveal the identities of those allegedly sponsoring militias in the state. “Something must be done immediately. These sponsors must be known to the public,” he added.
In his remarks, AVM Oche (Rtd) stated that the visit offered a vital opportunity to engage with stakeholders and identify sustainable solutions. He emphasized the importance of a non-kinetic approach, recommending disarmament, reintegration, and resettlement programs for militias as a pathway to lasting peace.
The advisory team, assisted by Air Commodore Jacob Ayangeakaa Gbamwuan (Rtd), Director General of the Benue Bureau of Homeland Security, had earlier consulted with traditional and religious leaders, including the Tor Tiv, HRM Orchivirigh Prof. James Ortese Iorzua Ayatse, and the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Katsina-Ala, Most Rev’d Isaac Dugu, to gain deeper insights into the security landscape.
Their visit is expected to continue with engagements in Zone C, where they will meet the Och’Idoma, HRM Elaigwu Odogbo John, and other regional stakeholders.
