“…the visit was another milestone in ongoing efforts by the Federal Government, the Benue State Government and security agencies to return normalcy to the state and guarantee a safe environment for residents…”
BY TERSOO KULA
The operational assessment visit of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Rilwan Disu, to Benue State has been widely welcomed by residents, who described it as a strong demonstration of the Federal Government’s commitment to restoring lasting peace and security in the state.
The Thursday’s visit which featured a town hall meeting at the Old Banquet Hall, Government House, Makurdi, came amid renewed efforts by the Benue State Government and security agencies to consolidate recent gains against criminal activities and attacks on farming communities.
Addressing stakeholders at the meeting, Governor Hyacinth Alia reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening security through sustained collaboration with security agencies. He reiterated his longstanding call for the establishment of State Police, arguing that officers with local knowledge of communities and terrain would significantly improve security operations and response time.
Governor Alia described IGP Disu’s visit as timely and reassuring, saying it underscored the Nigeria Police Force commitment to community policing, intelligence gathering and partnership with state governments in tackling insecurity.
The Governor noted that his administration had consistently supported security agencies with operational vehicles, motorcycles, communication gadgets and other logistics while promoting inter-agency collaboration through regular security council meetings, intelligence sharing and coordinated operations. He also pledged the state’s full support for the proposed 14-day security sweep across Benue.
He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the Federal Government’s support in addressing security challenges and assured the Inspector-General of the state’s continued cooperation in restoring lasting peace and facilitating the safe return of internally displaced persons (IDPs) to their ancestral communities.
While reacting to the visit, Benue State Youth Leader and Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Youth Organisation and Illegal Levies, Hon. Gbenda Terver, said the prompt presence of the Inspector-General had given the people of the state a renewed sense of belonging and confidence in the nation’s security architecture.
According to him, the visit has gone a long way in dispelling allegations that Benue youths were involved in criminal activities or the unlawful possession of arms.
“The Inspector-General’s visit has brought calm and renewed hope to our people. It has also helped clear the misconception that Benue youths are responsible for acts capable of disrupting law and order. Benue youths are law-abiding citizens who genuinely desire peace, not only in Benue State, but across Nigeria,” he said.
Hon Terver assured that the youths would continue to respect constituted authority and remain partners in promoting peace, security and community development.
He particularly commended Governor Alia’s security initiatives and collaboration with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that the partnership had resulted in significant improvements in the state’s security situation.
In his words; “With the support of the Federal Government, Benue is gradually experiencing a level of peace that many communities had not witnessed in more than a decade. This visit by the IGP is another indication that government is committed to sustaining that progress”.
Also lending his voice, the APC Youth Leader in Ukum Local Government Area, Mr Gwaza Nyikyaa, described the Inspector-General’s visit as a morale booster for residents who had endured years of insecurity.
Nyikyaa said the presence of the nation’s police chief would strengthen public confidence in ongoing security operations and encourage greater cooperation between local communities and security agencies.
Similarly, a millet farmer from Guma Local Government Area, who requested anonymity, expressed optimism that the visit would further consolidate the relative peace being enjoyed in many rural communities.
He recalled that in previous years, thousands of farmers were forced to flee their ancestral homes due to persistent attacks, leaving them to live in internally displaced persons’ camps.
“Today, many of us have returned to our villages and are back on our farms. The visit of the Inspector-General gives us additional assurance that peace will be sustained and that we can continue our farming activities without fear,” he said.
Residents and stakeholders at the town hall meeting unanimously commended the Inspector-General’s operational assessment visit, describing it as a clear signal of the Federal Government’s determination to strengthen security operations in Benue and protect lives and livelihoods.
Earlier at the meeting, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu assured the people of Benue State of the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to intensifying intelligence-driven operations, strengthening community policing and working closely with other security agencies and the state government to restore lasting peace across affected communities.
In the words of the Special Adviser to the Governor of Benue State on Security and Internal Affairs, Dr. Joseph Har, the visit was another milestone in ongoing efforts by the Federal Government, the Benue State Government and security agencies to return normalcy to the state and guarantee a safe environment for residents, particularly farmers whose activities are critical to Nigeria’s food security.
…Sir Tersoo Kula is Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Benue State
