General Olufemi Oluyede, Chief of Defence Staff, has reaffirmed the Armed Forces’ ironclad commitment to peacebuilding in Benue State, as Governor Hyacinth Alia sought deeper collaboration to disarm militias and cement security gains.
Governor Alia on Friday paid a courtesy call on the Defence Headquarters in Abuja.
The Defence Chief saluted progress in volatile areas, including the Sankera axis – Katsina-Ala, Zaki-Biam, and Logo – crediting it to enhanced synergy with local leaders and communities.
General Oluyede who expressed satisfaction at improving stability, outlined plans for a formal interface with state stakeholders to lock in advances.
He stressed non-kinetic measures such as rehabilitation and economic support, urging the state to sustain reintegration programmes and promising the Armed Forces’ continued reinforcement of reconciliation and recovery.
Governor Alia while congratulating the CDS on his new role, lauded troops’ efforts for reassuring residents and pledged Benue’s ongoing partnership.
A statement by the Defence Headquarters quoted Governor Alia as saying that the visible commitment of the military has reassured residents and renewed hope for lasting peace resulting in an appreciable security improvement in Benue State.
Governor Alia pledged the Benue State government’s continued readiness to partner with the Defence Headquarters in tackling security concerns and consolidating peace across affected communities.
He also sought Defence Headquarters support in the ongoing Benue State initiative aimed at encouraging non-state actors to lay down their arms.
Governor Alia particularly referenced the Sankera axis, which comprised Katsina-Ala, Zaki Biam, and Logo Local Government Areas.
The meeting, attended by senior state and military officials, signals renewed resolve to extend calm across the nation’s troubled north-central region.
NewsQuest reports that Benue, often called Nigeria’s “Food Basket,” has faced recurrent violence since 2018, when clashes between farmers and herders escalated into deadly attacks, displacing thousands and killing hundreds annually.
Our correspondent gather d that recent incidents, including a January 2026 ambush in Gwer West that claimed 15 lives, underscore the urgency.
