The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, has reaffirmed the Armed Forces of Nigeria’s (AFN) unwavering commitment to supporting peacebuilding and stabilization efforts in Benue State, as collaboration between the state government and security agencies continues to yield positive results.
General Oluyede gave the assurance recently while receiving the Governor of Benue State, Reverend Father Hyacinth Iormem Alia, who paid a courtesy visit to the Defence Headquarters in Abuja.
During the visit, Governor Alia congratulated the CDS on his appointment and commended the Armed Forces for their sustained efforts in restoring stability across Benue State.
He noted that the visible presence and commitment of the military have reassured residents and renewed confidence in the prospects of lasting peace, leading to noticeable improvements in security.
The governor pledged the Benue State Government’s continued readiness to partner with the Defence Headquarters in addressing security challenges and consolidating peace in affected communities. He also requested Defence Headquarters’ support for the state’s ongoing initiative to encourage non-state actors to lay down their arms, particularly in the Sankera axis covering Katsina-Ala, Zaki Biam and Logo Local Government Areas.
Responding, General Oluyede expressed satisfaction with the relative improvement in security across parts of the state, attributing the progress to enhanced synergy among security agencies, traditional rulers, community leaders and the state government.
He stressed that the gains recorded so far demonstrate that sustainable peace is achievable through collective effort.
The CDS disclosed plans to establish a structured interface mechanism between the Armed Forces and Benue State to strengthen coordination with local stakeholders and consolidate existing security gains.
He further emphasized the importance of non-kinetic approaches, including rehabilitation and livelihood support programmes for affected and reintegrated persons. Commending Benue State’s initiative, General Oluyede urged the government to put in place sustainable support measures to ensure successful reintegration and discourage any return to criminal activities.
He assured that the Armed Forces of Nigeria would continue to support initiatives aimed at promoting long-term peace, reconciliation and socio-economic recovery in Benue State and across the country.
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