Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has pledged his administration’s commitment to supporting peace agreements and strengthening sustainable mechanisms for peacebuilding and conflict prevention across the state.
The Governor made the pledge on Tuesday in Makurdi during the inauguration of the Benue State Peace Committee, a body established to coordinate, implement and monitor peacebuilding initiatives. The inauguration was facilitated by the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue (HD).
Represented by his Deputy, Dr Sam Ode, Governor Alia described peace as the bedrock of meaningful and sustainable development. He said his government is committed to “strengthening preventive mechanisms, promoting dialogue, improving institutional coordination, constructively addressing grievances and creating an environment where disputes can be resolved peacefully without recourse to violence.”
He noted that the committee was set up following the signing of the Benue Statewide Natural Resource Sharing Agreement, facilitated by HD in collaboration with the Benue State Commission for Peace and Reconciliation.
The Governor charged members to ensure effective coordination and institutional ownership of the peace process, with robust monitoring, accountability and reporting systems. He also urged them to promote inclusivity and community ownership, strengthen early-warning and early-response mechanisms, and ensure the sustainability of peace initiatives.
Alia commended HD and other development partners for their contributions to peacebuilding in Benue, particularly their role in brokering peace agreements in Agatu, Konshisha and Oju Local Government Areas.
In her remarks, the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs Deborah Aber, commended HD for its resilience and dedication despite numerous challenges. She urged committee members to uphold the agreements reached and deepen engagement with women and young people, stressing that their inclusion is critical to sustaining peace.
Earlier, the Country Director of HD, Dr Chris Agoha, said the committee comprises persons of impeccable character with a strong commitment to ending communal clashes and building lasting peace. He urged members to carry out their responsibilities with honesty, mutual respect and a high sense of duty.
In separate goodwill messages, the Tor Tiv, Orchivirigh Prof. James Ayatse, represented by the Tor Jechira, Chief Edward Ujege, and the Och’Idoma, Agabaidu Dr John Elaigwu, represented by Ad’Enone, Chief George Edeh, acknowledged HD’s sustained peace efforts in Benue since 2017. The traditional rulers lauded the Alia administration’s efforts to promote stability and pledged continued support for initiatives aimed at fostering peaceful coexistence.
Speaking on behalf of stakeholders, Dr Boniface Ukende said members of various peace structures had undergone years of training and capacity development, and expressed appreciation to the government, HD, traditional institutions, development partners and community leaders for making the inauguration a reality.
