The Search For Lasting Peace In Benue Through Innovative Community-Based Peace Structures
By BRIDGET TIKYAA
Thursday, October 30th 2025 will remain a key date in the annals of Benue State history as it marks the day both the Federal and state governments, as well as all stakeholders took steps towards engraving a peace process that will bring together all communities to foster peace and social cohesion across the state.
It was the day Benue State Government under the leadership of Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia and the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement, Dr Abiodun Essiet, and the International Communities Organisation hosted a workshop on establishing Community-Based Peace Structures across all the 23 local government areas of the state. It was not just a government event, but also an initiative that included community and religious leaders, traditional rulers, security officials, and representatives of civil society organisations within the state.
Benue State has no doubt suffered from long years of conflicts ranging from violent clashes between herders and farmers, resulting in loss of lives and property, banditry and kidnapping, which have disrupted economic activities and daily life, communal conflicts often fueled by ethnic and land disputes, and the resultant displacements and humanitarian crisis that have strained local resources.
Given these challenges, peacebuilding initiatives in any form will certainly lead to dialogue and reconciliation, build trust and understanding between communities, security agencies, and government institutions, and address the underlying causes of conflicts, such as land disputes and resource competition. When peace is restored, it will be easier to provide support to victims and work towards their rehabilitation and reintegration.
Invariably, peacebuilding initiatives will create a more stable and secure environment, conducive to economic development and social progress.
Governor Alia said through his Deputy, Dr. Sam Ode, that the peacebuilding initiative was a commendable effort of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, wholly supported by the Benue State government, which should be sustained.
Alia believes that traditional institutions are key drivers of peaceful coexistence and must be cultivated at all times by relevant stakeholders, including local government chairmen, whom he said, must maintain constant communication with the traditional institutions and communities to foster social cohesion.
It is pertinent to state that Governor Alia has in the last two and half years maintained the momentum in strengthening peace-building initiatives in Benue State by working with security agencies to tackle insecurity and deploying drones for intelligence gathering.
The government has also established a 10,000-man state security outfit equipped with motorcycles and Hilux vans to complement federal security agencies, convened a four-day security summit in partnership with the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to discuss security challenges and find solutions, provided support for displaced persons and donating ₦5 million to each family of security operatives who lost their lives in the fight against banditry.
The government has also been engaging local stakeholders to promote peace and reconciliation, and working with the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue to address longstanding grievances and promote sustainable peace initiatives. Similarly, the Alia administration has been emphasising the importance of inclusive dialogue and community engagement to foster trust and mitigate tensions among diverse ethnic and religious groups. It has also been encouraging residents to be vigilant, work hand-in-hand with security forces, and set aside their differences to achieve peace and stability in the state.
These initiatives of Governor Alia are what the peace enhancement workshop has highlighted, and which the government commended both the SSA to the President, and Mrs. Josephine Habba, Director-General of the Benue State Peace and Reconciliation Commission.
For the SSA, Dr. Abiodun Essiet, unity is essential for Nigeria’s peace and prosperity, explaining that the workshop is a vital step towards strengthening community collaboration, understanding, and peace through inclusive participation.
The initiative aims to support security agencies and strengthen the Benue State Commission for Peace and Reconciliation by expanding community peace committees. These are structures designed to improve intelligence gathering, early warning systems, and community dialogue.
On her part, the Secretary to the State Government, Deaconess Selumun Deborah Aber, represented by James Azande, SSA to the Governor on Media, Cabinet Office, expressed support for the programme, maintaining that peacebuilding is a collective effort requiring cooperation from all stakeholders, and praised President Tinubu’s initiatives through the SSA’s office to address insecurity in the North-Central region.
Commitments were made and agendas set by local council leaders, traditional rulers, and other stakeholders, including the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breaders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN).
Comrade Vitalis Neji, Chairman of Kwande Local Government Council and the state ALGON Chairman, reaffirmed the commitment of the local councils to serving with integrity, and working collectively to ensure peace and stability across Benue State. This much was also highlighted by the representative of the traditional institution, His Royal Highness Chief Orkaa Kave, the Ter Ukum, who voiced concerns about ongoing insecurity in the state despite previous peace efforts and urged stakeholders to remain committed and true to their promises.
Mrs. Theresa Dewua, Pastor Earnest Atogi, and Ibrahim Galma, representing the National Council for Women Societies, All Farmers Association of Nigeria, and MACBAN respectively, expressed strong support for the initiative, and called for unity and collaboration among all stakeholders to restore peace and stability throughout the state.
The workshop has no doubt underscores both the federal and state governments’ commitment to building a peaceful society through inclusive, sustained community engagement backed by all relevant stakeholders including civil society groups, local communities and traditional institutions.
Bridget Tikyaa is the Principal Special Assistant to Governor Alia on Media, Publicity and Communications Strategy
