Benue to host North Central security summit as Governor Alia seeks sustainable peace

DDM News

Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to addressing security challenges in the region.

He stated that Benue is prepared to host the North Central Security Summit aimed at restoring peace and stability, Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathers.
Alia made this known in Makurdi during the opening of a regional consultation on the national DDR framework.
The event focused on harmonizing the Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration (DDR) process across the North Central geopolitical zone.

The governor emphasized that lasting peace can only be achieved through inclusion, dignity, and justice,not by coercion.
He noted that his government is engaging religious and traditional leaders to mediate and promote peace.
According to him, the State Commission for Peace and Reconciliation has been empowered to sustain peace building efforts.
He called for preserving institutional memories to ensure continuity in peace initiatives.

Alia urged the National Security Adviser to adopt the Sankera Peace Model initiated by his administration.
He explained that the model is led by Bishop Isaac Dugu of Katsina-Ala Diocese.
The initiative fosters community dialogue and reconciliation in conflict-affected areas.
He expressed hope that it would be replicated across the North Central region.

Governor Alia lamented the burden placed on the state by IDP camps in seven local government areas.
He appealed to the Federal Government and development partners to support the resettlement of displaced persons.
Alia stressed the importance of returning IDPs to their ancestral homes to restore normalcy.
He thanked the National Counterterrorism Center and ONSA for selecting Benue as host of the consultation.

The governor urged participants to come up with practical resolutions to combat insecurity and terrorism.
He encouraged sincere dialogue to foster peace across the region.
Ambassador Mairo Musa represented NSA Mallam Nuhu Ribadu at the event.
She urged openness and sincerity during discussions for effective DDR implementation.

Traditional rulers also expressed their views on the peace process.
The Tor Tiv, Professor James Ortese Ayatse, and Ochi Idoma, Dr. John Elaigwu, emphasized forgiveness and reconciliation.
They cited the biblical story of the prodigal son to support reintegrating repentant offenders.
Both leaders called for the involvement of traditional and religious authorities in peacebuilding.

They urged Miyeti Allah Cattle Breeders Association to identify and expel criminal elements among their members.
They warned against cultural practices that endanger lives and property.
Retired Major General Lawrence Onoja represented the Middle Belt Council of Elders.
He stated that the land of Benue belongs to its people and must not be taken by force.

Onoja said the summit reflects President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to resolving Nigeria’s security issues.
Middle Belt Forum President, Dr. Bitrus Pogu, advocated for empowering communities to defend themselves.
He stressed that without local defense, insecurity would worsen across the region.
Pogu called on all levels of government to train and support local defense initiatives.

Miyeti Allah President, Alhaji Baba Usman, was represented by Alhaji Adamu Toru.
Toru admitted that some criminal herders were responsible for violence.
He called for modernizing the cattle business to prevent conflict.
Toru pledged the association’s support for the peace initiative.

Secretary to the State Government, Barrister Mrs. Serumun Aber, delivered the welcome address.
She stressed that effective solutions must reflect the people’s lived experiences and aspirations.

She emphasized the need for local ownership of the peace process.

Participants were encouraged to work together for sustainable peace in the North Central region.

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