The Federal Government has assured that it would sustain support for the Benue State Government to address the intractable security challenges confronting the state.
Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, stated this at the official launching of the Benue State Peace and Reconciliation Commission Five-Year Strategic Plan (2026–2030), marking a renewed commitment to restoring lasting peace, strengthening security, and improving livelihoods across the state.
The Minister said that the support would be through agricultural and job-creation programmes aimed at engaging youths and addressing the root causes of insecurity. He commended the state’s peace-driven initiatives, noting that insecurity must be decisively tackled to unlock economic growth.
Maiha said the launch signposts the state’s determination to achieve total peace and sustainable development.
He maintained that the document is anchored on dialogue, mitigation, reconciliation, inclusive social cohesion, and the strengthening of conflict prevention mechanisms.
Governor Hyacinth Alia, represented by his Deputy, Barr. Sam Ode, emphasized that peace in Benue must reflect the state’s agricultural identity and protect the livelihoods of its people.
He acknowledged the efforts of security agencies and appreciated the roles of the paramount rulers in the state; the Tor Tiv and the Och’Idoma in promoting peace.
In a remark, the Tor Tiv, Professor James Ayatse, stated that true peace would only be achieved when Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) return to their ancestral homes and resume farming activities. He also commended security agencies for their continued collaboration with the state government.
The representative of the British High Commission and Team Lead of Strengthening Peace and Resilience in Nigeria (SPRING), Mr. Nkimbo Ukaha, lauded the grassroots-driven and consultative nature of the initiative, promising development partners’ support for its full implementation.
Delivering a keynote address on “Pathways of Implementing the Strategic Plan,” Dr. Hussaini Abdu stressed that peace-building is a gradual and deliberate process requiring coordinated efforts. He warned that Benue’s status as the “Food Basket of the Nation” is under threat due to persistent farmer-related conflicts, calling for urgent and strategic action.
Director General of the Benue State Commission for Peace and Reconciliation, Josephine Habba, explained that the 2026–2030 plan is designed to coordinate and promote all actions that enhance peace and stability in the state. She described the summit and launch as strategic, given the evolving dynamics of security challenges, and noted that the framework prioritizes early warning systems, response coordination, and inclusive peace architecture.
Meanwhile, Governor Alia also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Federal Government for the implementation of the Sustainable Integrated Productive Community (SIPC) Programme.
The programme is aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity and increase its viability.
The governor met with the Ministry of Finance, where the Honorable Minister of State, Finance, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, signed the documents on behalf of the Federal Government.
Dr. Uzoka-Anite explained that SIPC is a federal government’s project designed to provide better conditions for farmers to thrive, including solar powered housing, seedlings, inputs like fertilizers and herbicides, and off-takers who convert produce to secondary products. She revealed that Benue is one of two pilot states, along with Niger State.
Governor Alia committed to providing 100 hectares of land across the state for the programme, stating that it aligns with his vision to make farming viable and attractive, and Benue State the Agricultural hub of Africa.
Governor Alia explained that when fully operational, the SIPC will close up the housing deficit in the state, provide free farm seedlings and inputs for Benue farmers, facilitate conversion of produce to secondary products thus eradicating post harvest losses, make farming more viable and attractive thus increasing food security.
