By ZAKAA LAZARUS
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, has reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) to supporting peacebuilding and stabilization efforts across Benue State and by extension the entire country, as collaborative security efforts continue to yield positive results.
General Oluyede gave this assurance when he received the Governor of Benue State, Reverend Father Hyacinth Iormem Alia, who paid a courtesy visit to the CDS at the Defence Headquarters, Abuja.
In his remarks, Governor Hyacinth Alia formally congratulated General Oluyede on his appointment as the Chief of Defence Staff and commended the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) for the sustained efforts in restoring stability in Benue State. He noted 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 for Defence Headquarters support in the ongoing Benue State initiative aimed at encouraging non state actors to lay down their arms. The Governor particularly referenced the Sankera axis which comprised Katsina-Ala, Zaki Biam and Logo Local Government Areas.
In his response, the CDS expressed satisfaction with the relative improvement in security across several parts of Benue State, attributing the progress to enhanced synergy between security agencies, traditional rulers, community leaders and the state government. He noted that the growing peace in the state demonstrates that sustainable stability is achievable when other stakeholders work closely with security forces.
General Oluyede emphasized that with sustained cooperation and trust, normalcy can be fully restored across all affected areas of the state and indeed across the nation. He revealed plans to establish a structured interface mechanism between the AFN and Benue State aimed at strengthening coordination with local stakeholders and ensuring that security gains are consolidated and expanded.
The Defence Chief further underscored the importance of comprehensive non-kinetic approaches, including rehabilitation and livelihood support programmes for affected and reintegrated persons. He commended Benue State for its initiative calling on the state to emplace enduring support measures for those rehabilitated to ensure seamless reintegration back to the society and make all thoughts of relapsing to criminal activities unattractive. Gen Oluyede assured that the AFN would continue to back initiatives designed to promote long-term peace, reconciliation and socio-economic recovery in Benue State.
The visit was attended by top Benue State Government officials and senior military officers from the Defence Headquarters.
