The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, has reaffirmed the commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) to sustaining peace and stability in Benue State, as the state government intensified collaboration with the Defence Headquarters.
General Oluyede gave the assurance on Friday in Abuja while receiving the Governor of Benue State, Reverend Father Hyacinth Iormem Alia, who paid him a courtesy visit at the Defence Headquarters.
During the visit, Governor Alia congratulated the CDS on his appointment and commended the Armed Forces for their sustained efforts in restoring security across the state. He said the visible presence and commitment of the military had reassured residents and renewed hope for lasting peace, leading to improved security conditions in many communities.
The governor pledged the readiness of the Benue State Government to continue partnering with the Defence Headquarters to address security challenges and consolidate peace. He also sought military support for the state’s initiative aimed at encouraging non-state actors to lay down their arms, particularly in the Sankera axis comprising Katsina-Ala, Zaki Biam and Logo Local Government Areas.
Responding, General Oluyede expressed satisfaction with the relative improvement in security in several parts of Benue State, attributing the progress to enhanced cooperation among security agencies, traditional rulers, community leaders and the state government.
He noted that the growing peace in the state showed that sustainable stability could be achieved when stakeholders worked closely with security forces. The CDS also disclosed plans to establish a structured interface mechanism between the AFN and Benue State to strengthen coordination and consolidate security gains.
General Oluyede further stressed the importance of non-kinetic approaches, including rehabilitation and livelihood support programmes for affected and reintegrated persons. He commended the state government’s initiative and urged it to put in place lasting support measures to ensure successful reintegration and discourage a return to criminal activities.
He assured that the Armed Forces would continue to support initiatives aimed at promoting long-term peace, reconciliation and socio-economic recovery in Benue State.
The visit was attended by top officials of the Benue State Government and senior military officers from the Defence Headquarters.
