Governor Hyacinth Alia has inaugurated the Benue Peace Implementation Committee (BPIC) to implement the state’s natural resource peace agreement.
Mr Alia inaugurated the committee on Tuesday in Makurdi, describing its establishment as an important step from signing a peace agreement to practical implementation.
Represented by his deputy, Sam Ode, the governor said the committee would play a key role in coordinating activities, monitoring progress, ensuring accountability and promoting community participation in the peace process.
He commended the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue (HD) for its continued partnership with the state in promoting dialogue, conflict resolution and reconciliation.
Mr Alia noted that peace was crucial to developing agriculture investment, infrastructure, education, healthcare, and other sectors of the state.
The governor further said his administration was adopting a proactive approach to conflict management by focusing not only on responding to conflict but also on preventing it through dialogue, early warning and response mechanisms.
He also urged the committee to promote inclusivity and community ownership by involving women, youths, traditional and religious leaders and affected communities in its activities.
Mr Alia stressed that peacebuilding efforts must be locally owned and institutionally sustained beyond external interventions.
He urged the committee to work closely with the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue, the Benue State Peace and Reconciliation Commission, traditional institutions, communities, civil society organisations and development partners.
Earlier, Chris Agoha, country manager, HD Nigeria, said the committee was established through broad consultations with stakeholders committed to restoring Benue’s reputation as a peaceful and hospitable state.
Mr Agoha said lasting peace involved more than ending violence, stressing that justice, trust, and mutual respect were equally important.
He acknowledged the difficulty of consolidating peace after conflicts, particularly in communities previously considered to have moved beyond violence but experiencing fresh attacks.
The Benue Secretary to the State Government, Deborah Abe, commended HD for its continued commitment and resilience in supporting peacebuilding initiatives in the state.
Ms Abe described peace as essential for individuals, families, communities and the country, adding that dialogue had provided a platform for stakeholders to identify shared challenges and develop solutions.
The SSG welcomed the inclusion of women and youths in the committee and urged members to deepen engagement with both groups, particularly women who often bear the greatest burden of conflicts through displacement and other hardships.
The Tor Tiv, His Royal Majesty Prof. James Ayatse, said traditional rulers would continue to support government and other stakeholders in peacebuilding efforts across the state.
Mr Ayatse, who was represented by His Royal Highness Edward Ujege, the Tor Jechira, urged the committee to include skills acquisition and youth empowerment in its peacebuilding programmes.
The paramount ruler noted that unemployment among young people could contribute to conflict.
The Benue Peace Implementation Committee is to coordinate and monitor the state’s natural resources peace agreement.
The three-year tenure began on September 22, with members drawn from traditional and community leaders, among others.
(NAN)