Benue State has been plagued by recurring violent attacks, kidnappings, and killings, often attributed to armed herdsmen, leaving residents in a state of fear and insecurity.
Critical security stakeholders in Benue State have resolved to deepen collaboration and strengthen collective efforts to combat criminality, adopting practical measures aimed at restoring lasting peace and improving public safety across the state.
The resolution was reached during a high-level security stakeholders’ meeting held at the Police Officers’ Mess in Makurdi, with participants emphasizing that sustained cooperation among security agencies, government, traditional institutions and local communities remains key to defeating criminal elements.
According to a statement issued by the Zonal Police Public Relations Officer, Zone 4 Headquarters, Makurdi, ASP Ayo Oluwaseun Martin, the meeting was attended by the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 4, AIG Dankombo F. Morris.
Also present were the Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command, CP Cletus Nwadiogbu, senior police officers, heads of departments within the command, representatives of the Benue State Government, members of the Benue State House of Assembly, traditional and religious leaders, the Chairman of the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), representatives of non-governmental organisations (NGOs), the Civil Protection Guard and other key community stakeholders.
The statement said the engagement was convened to assess the prevailing security situation in Benue State, identify the root causes of emerging security challenges and develop practical, sustainable strategies for restoring peace and enhancing public safety.
Participants proposed several implementable measures, including improved intelligence sharing, stronger community participation in security initiatives and enhanced collaboration among all stakeholders to tackle insecurity more effectively.
Addressing the gathering, AIG Morris expressed concern over the recent rise in criminal activities across Benue State, noting that the meeting was convened following a directive by the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu.
He stressed that security is a shared responsibility and urged all stakeholders to work closely with the police and other security agencies to protect lives and property while denying criminals any safe haven in the state.
The AIG assured participants that all observations, recommendations and resolutions reached during the meeting would receive due consideration and would be forwarded to the Inspector-General of Police to support ongoing operational and policy interventions aimed at addressing the state’s security challenges.
The meeting concluded with extensive deliberations, as government officials, traditional rulers, community leaders, civil society organisations and other stakeholders highlighted the unique security concerns affecting their respective communities and reaffirmed their commitment to supporting efforts to achieve lasting peace in Benue State.
