Search For Peace In Benue

The search for enduring peace in Benue state have given rise to the establishment of an innovative Community-Based Peace Structure in the state


To achieve lasting peace in Benue state, the food basket of the nation, the state government in collaboration with the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement have organised a workshop to that effect. The workshop which took place on Thursday, October 30th 2025, was meant to bring together the state government, federal government and relevant stakeholders to take steps towards engraving a peace process that will bring together all communities to foster peace and social cohesion across the state.

The highpoint of the event was the establishment of a Community-Based Peace Structures across all the 23 local government areas of the state. Apart from the state and federal government involvement in the workshop, the initiative also involved active participation of community and religious leaders, traditional rulers, security officials, and representatives of civil society organisations within the state. Benue State has no doubt suffered from long years of conflicts ranging from violent clashes between herders and farmers, resulting in loss of lives and property, banditry and kidnapping, which have disrupted economic activities and daily life, communal conflicts often fuelled by ethnic and land disputes, and the resultant displacements and humanitarian crisis that have strained local resources.

Given these challenges, peace building initiatives in any form will certainly lead to dialogue and reconciliation, build trust and understanding between communities, security agencies, and government institutions, and address the underlying causes of conflicts, such as land disputes and resource competition. When peace is restored, it will be easier to provide support to victims and work towards their rehabilitation and reintegration. Peace building initiatives will create a more stable and secure environment, conducive to economic development and social progress.

According to the state governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia who was represented at the event by his deputy, Dr. Sam Ode, “Peace building initiative was a commendable effort of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, wholly supported by the Benue State government, which should be sustained”.

Alia believes that traditional institutions are key drivers of peaceful coexistence and must be cultivated at all times by relevant stakeholders, including local government chairmen, whom he said, must maintain constant communication with the traditional institutions and communities to foster social cohesion.

It is pertinent to state that Governor Alia has in the last two and half years maintained the momentum in strengthening peace-building initiatives in Benue State by working with security agencies to tackle insecurity and deploying drones for intelligence gathering. The government has also established a 10,000-man state security outfit equipped with motorcycles and Hilux vans to complement federal security agencies, convened a four-day security summit in partnership with the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to discuss security challenges and find solutions, provided support for displaced persons and donating ₦5 million to each family of security operatives who lost their lives in the fight against banditry.

The government has also been engaging local stakeholders to promote peace and reconciliation, and working with the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue to address longstanding grievances and promote sustainable peace initiatives. Similarly, the Alia administration has been emphasising the importance of inclusive dialogue and community engagement to foster trust and mitigate tensions among diverse ethnic and religious groups. It has also been encouraging residents to be vigilant, work hand-in-hand with security forces, and set aside their differences to achieve peace and stability in the state. In his remark the SSA to the President on Community Engagement, Dr. Abiodun Essiet stated that unity is essential for Nigeria’s peace and prosperity, explaining that the workshop is a vital step towards strengthening community collaboration, understanding, and peace through inclusive participation.

The initiative aims to support security agencies and strengthen the Benue State Commission for Peace and Reconciliation by expanding community peace committees. These are structures designed to improve intelligence gathering, early warning systems, and community dialogue. Lending her voice, the Secretary to the State Government, Deaconess Selumun Deborah Aber, represented by James Azande, SSA to the Governor on Media, Cabinet Office, expressed support for the programme, maintaining that peace building is a collective effort requiring cooperation from all stakeholders, and praised President Tinubu’s initiatives through the SSA’s office to address insecurity in the North-Central region.

Other participants who spoke at the event include, Comrade Vitalis Neji, Chairman of Kwande Local Government Council and the state ALGON Chairman. He reaffirmed the commitment of the local councils to serving with integrity, and working collectively to ensure peace and stability across Benue State. This much was also highlighted by the representative of the traditional institution, His Royal Highness Chief Orkaa Kave, the Ter Ukum, who voiced concerns about on-going insecurity in the state despite previous peace efforts and urged stakeholders to remain committed and true to their promises.

Mrs. Theresa Dewua, Pastor Earnest Atogi, and Ibrahim Galma, representing the National Council for Women Societies, All Farmers Association of Nigeria, and MACBAN respectively, expressed strong support for the initiative, and called for unity and collaboration among all stakeholders to restore peace and stability throughout the state. Commitments were made and agendas set by local council leaders, traditional rulers, and other stakeholders, including the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN).

The workshop, no doubt underscores both the federal and state governments' commitment to building a peaceful society through inclusive, sustained community engagement backed by all relevant stakeholders including civil society groups, local communities and traditional institutions. Bridget Tikyaa Is the Principal Special Assistant to the Governor on Media, Publicity and Communications Strategy