The North Central Youth Development and Peace Agenda has lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Nigerian Armed Forces for the collaborative efforts that are restoring peace to Benue State and other parts of the North Central region.
The group specifically highlighted the leadership of the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, in driving sustained operations that have reduced attacks and enabled communities to return to normal life.
In a statement signed by Ambassador Marcus Adams Odoba, the group pointed to recent military successes under Operation Whirl Stroke, including the rescue of seven kidnap victims in Ohimini Local Government Area and the neutralisation of suspected kidnappers in Katsina-Ala, where troops recovered arms and ammunition.
In Guma Local Government Area, the Special Intervention Battalion has maintained relative calm for several months, allowing more than 1,000 internally displaced persons to return home.
“President Tinubu’s firm commitment to securing the North Central, combined with the professional leadership of General Olufemi Oluyede, has brought tangible relief to the people of Benue,” Ambassador Marcus Adams Odoba stated.
“The Armed Forces have demonstrated courage, consistency and strategic focus in protecting lives and property.
“We commend the CDS for the effective blend of kinetic operations and community engagement that has made these gains possible. Many families are now returning to their ancestral homes because of this collaborative approach.”
The group noted that additional troop deployments, improved coordination among security agencies and the planned establishment of a new military division covering Benue, Kogi and Nasarawa have strengthened the operational capacity of forces on the ground.
These measures, backed by presidential directives, have contributed to a noticeable decline in violent incidents across previously volatile communities.
President Tinubu’s repeated emphasis on multi-stakeholder collaboration—bringing together the military, state governments, traditional institutions and local communities—was described as a critical factor in the progress recorded so far.
The North Central Youth Development and Peace Agenda stressed that such synergy must be sustained to consolidate the relative peace now being experienced.
“The collaboration between the President and the Armed Forces under General Oluyede is delivering results that ordinary citizens can feel,” Ambassador Odoba declared.
“Fewer attacks, successful rescues and the return of displaced persons are clear evidence that the security architecture is working.
“Young people across the North Central are encouraged by these developments. Lasting peace will open the door for development, youth empowerment and economic recovery in Benue and beyond,” he further stated.
The North Central Youth Development and Peace Agenda reaffirmed its readiness to support ongoing peacebuilding efforts and to mobilise young people towards dialogue, peaceful coexistence and partnership with security agencies.
The group called on youths to reject violence and actively contribute to protecting the hard-won gains.
Ambassador Odoba expressed confidence that with continued presidential support and the focused leadership of the CDS, the region would maintain its trajectory towards stability and progress.
“The return of peace to parts of Benue is a collective achievement that must be celebrated and protected,” Ambassador Odoba said.
“We salute the gallant officers and men of the Armed Forces who continue to serve with dedication under the guidance of President Tinubu and General Oluyede.
“The North Central Youth Development and Peace Agenda remains committed to working with all stakeholders to ensure that this peace endures and expands across the entire North Central region,” he concluded.