Benue CSOs nominate 3 council chairmen for zonal security awards

A Coalition of civil society organisations and community development associations in Benue State has nominated three Local Government Council Chairmen for special zonal awards in recognition of their contributions to internal security and peace-building in their respective local government areas.

The organisations, under the aegis of the Benue Civil Society and Community Development Associations, said the awards were designed to recognise and encourage local government leaders who have demonstrated outstanding commitment to protecting lives and property as well as supporting security operations across the state.

In a statement signed by the Convener and President of the coalition, Joseph Uyeh, the groups commended the Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, for his decisive efforts to confront insecurity and restore peace to communities affected by attacks by armed groups and herders.

The Coalition said the Governor’s security initiatives had contributed to the reclamation of communities and enabled many displaced residents to return to their ancestral homes and resume farming activities.

According to the statement, “the situation in several parts of the state before 2023 was characterised by insecurity, displacement and the destruction of livelihoods, with some communities reportedly experiencing prolonged attacks and occupation by armed groups.”

The civil society and community development groups said there had been a significant improvement in the security situation in some Local Government Areas, attributing part of the progress to the efforts of local authorities who had complemented state and federal security initiatives.

The organisations particularly mentioned “the provision of operational motorcycles to security agencies to improve access to difficult terrains, community policing initiatives, security awareness campaigns and collaboration with traditional rulers to facilitate the flow of security information”.

The Coalition also noted that Governor Alia, during his recent statewide “Thank You Tour,” expressed appreciation for the visible contributions of some local government leaders to the security situation in their areas.

One of the Council Chairmen singled out for commendation was the Chairman of Agatu Local Government Area, Hon. Melvin Ejeh. The groups said Ejeh had leveraged his relationships with security agencies to strengthen security coordination and stability in the area.

The Coalition further cited the attraction of additional permanent military presence to Agatu as evidence of the collaborative efforts between the state government and the local government administration to address insecurity.

It said Agatu in Zone C, Katsina-Ala in Zone A, and Gwer West in Zone B, which had previously been regarded as security flashpoints, had recorded improved stability with only isolated incidents reported, thereby earning them the honour.

The nominated Chairmen are; Hon. Justin Shaku, Chairman of Katsina-Ala Local Government Area, representing Zone A; Hon. Ormin Victor, Chairman of Gwer West Local Government Area, representing Zone B; and Hon. Melvin Ejeh, Chairman of Agatu Local Government Area, representing Zone C.

The coalition said the recognition was intended not only to honour the three administrators but also “to encourage them to sustain and improve their efforts by adopting proactive approaches to security and community protection.”

The organisations expressed the hope that, “sustained collaboration among the state government, local governments, traditional institutions, security agencies, civil society organisations and communities would further consolidate peace and create an enabling environment for agriculture and economic development in the state.”