Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has appealed for support in facilitating the return of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) to their ancestral homes.
Speaking on Wednesday in Makurdi at the North-Central Regional Consultation on the Harmonisation of the National Disarmament, Demobilisation, and Reintegration (DDR) Framework, Governor Alia made the call during a workshop themed “Towards Creating Exit Pathways out of Violence and Criminality”. The event was organised by International Alert in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) through the National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC).
The governor revealed that there are currently 17 IDP camps in the state and that efforts are already underway to return displaced persons to their communities.
“As we deliberate during this consultation, let us remember that trust is our strongest shield, and accountability and courage are more powerful than fear,” Alia said.
He lamented the displacement and loss of lives in several local government areas, where communities have been attacked and lands forcibly occupied.
“This is our reality. We must place every possible resolution on the table if we are to find lasting solutions,” he stated.
Governor Alia reiterated his administration’s commitment to peace and collaboration, saying, “Let us walk this road together not armed with bullets, but with bold ideas, a collaborative spirit, and unwavering resolve. Support me in returning IDPs to their ancestral lands, enabling our farmers to return to their fields and our children to reclaim their future.”
While acknowledging the emotional weight surrounding the state’s security challenges, Alia emphasised that violence and land grabbing are not the answers, stressing that “Peace remains the ultimate goal.”
Speaking on behalf of the National Security Adviser, Mairo Abbas, Director of Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism, said the consultation aimed to develop a comprehensive framework that reflects collective aspirations, leverages indigenous knowledge, and promotes national cohesion.
Abbas described the workshop as an opportunity to identify practical and sustainable exit pathways for groups affected by violence, including women and children.
“We are gathered at a critical moment as Nigeria intensifies its efforts toward sustainable peace, improved national security, and inclusive development,” he said.
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He underscored that the Northern Central region is particularly affected by multiple security issues, including farmer-herder clashes, communal violence, banditry, and violent extremism.
Abbas encouraged all participants to ensure the emerging DDR framework is inclusive, context-specific, and rooted in reconciliation, forgiveness, and unity.
Also speaking, Dr Paul Nyulaku-Bemshima, Country Director of International Alert Nigeria, highlighted the importance of the forum in addressing ongoing violence in the region.
According to him, disarmament, demobilisation, and reintegration are about creating exit strategies from violence and criminality.
“With the support of the Office of the National Security Adviser, the National Counter-Terrorism Centre, the SPRING Programme, and the UK Government, we have convened diverse stakeholders to foster dialogue, understand the drivers of violence, and frame local solutions.”
He noted that despite previous armed conflicts, there remains room for peace and reconciliation.
Dr Ukoha Ukiwo, Team Lead of the Strengthening Peace and Resilience in Nigeria (SPRING) Programme, stated that SPRING is a UK Government initiative aimed at promoting stability in Nigeria.
He added that the UK recognises Nigeria’s potential as a stabilising force both in Africa and globally, given its status as the most populous black nation.
Ukiwo concluded by noting that for over two decades, Nigerian states have increasingly adopted non-kinetic approaches to tackle security challenges.
