Reported by Simon yusuph, | Journalist at wengglobal
The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue State, Benjamin Omale, has appealed for peace, unity, and stronger collaboration with security agencies during a visit to communities recently affected by violent attacks in Benue South Senatorial District.
The visit comes at a time when Benue State continues to grapple with recurring insecurity that has claimed hundreds of lives, displaced thousands of residents, and disrupted farming activities across several local government areas. Omale’s engagement with community leaders, traditional rulers, victims, and party members was aimed at expressing solidarity with affected families while encouraging residents to remain law-abiding and support ongoing efforts by security agencies to restore peace.
Speaking during the visit, Omale urged residents not to allow fear, anger, or grief to deepen divisions within their communities. Instead, he encouraged them to embrace dialogue, remain vigilant, and provide credible information to security agencies that could assist in preventing further attacks.
According to him, sustainable peace cannot be achieved through violence or reprisals but through collective efforts involving government institutions, local communities, traditional authorities, religious leaders, and security agencies.
He emphasized that intelligence gathering remains one of the most effective tools in combating criminal activities, urging residents to promptly report suspicious movements and individuals to the appropriate authorities rather than taking the law into their own hands.
Renewed Call for Unity Amid Persistent Insecurity
Benue State has for years remained one of Nigeria’s most vulnerable regions to violent attacks linked to armed criminal groups, communal clashes, and farmer-herder conflicts. The persistent violence has created a humanitarian crisis, forcing many families to abandon their homes and livelihoods.
During interactions with affected residents, Omale acknowledged the immense suffering experienced by communities that have lost loved ones, homes, and farmlands. He assured them that their concerns would continue to be communicated to relevant authorities while advocating stronger measures to protect lives and property.
The APC chairman stressed that political differences should not undermine collective efforts to restore peace, noting that insecurity affects everyone regardless of political affiliation, ethnicity, or religion.
“Our people deserve to live in safety and dignity. Peace is a shared responsibility, and everyone has a role to play in supporting security agencies through timely information and cooperation,” he reportedly said during the visit.
Communities Urged to Reject Violence
Omale also appealed to youths across the affected communities to reject violence and avoid actions capable of escalating tensions.
He noted that criminal elements often exploit periods of uncertainty to launch fresh attacks, making community vigilance and cooperation increasingly important.
The APC chairman encouraged local leaders to strengthen existing conflict-resolution mechanisms while promoting dialogue among neighboring communities where disputes may exist.
Observers say such grassroots engagement remains critical in complementing official security operations, especially in rural communities where early warning systems can help prevent attacks before they occur.
Security Challenges Continue in Benue
Benue has remained at the center of Nigeria’s security conversation due to repeated attacks on rural settlements. Several local government areas in Benue North East, Benue North West, and Benue South have experienced cycles of violence that have resulted in significant humanitarian and economic losses.
The violence has particularly affected farming communities, contributing to reduced agricultural production and worsening food security concerns in one of Nigeria’s major food-producing states.
Humanitarian organizations have repeatedly expressed concern over the growing number of internally displaced persons (IDPs), many of whom continue to depend on government assistance and support from development partners.
Security agencies have continued to deploy personnel to affected areas while state and federal authorities have introduced various interventions aimed at improving intelligence gathering and strengthening community policing initiatives.
Despite these efforts, sporadic attacks continue to highlight the complexity of the security situation and the need for sustained collaboration between government, security institutions, and local communities.
Importance of Community Intelligence
Security experts have consistently maintained that community-based intelligence plays a crucial role in preventing violent attacks.
Residents are often the first to notice unusual movements or suspicious activities, making their cooperation essential for effective security operations.
Omale’s appeal aligns with broader calls by Nigerian security authorities encouraging citizens to share credible intelligence through established channels rather than spreading unverified information capable of creating panic.
Experts also argue that rebuilding trust between communities and security agencies remains essential for improving response times and preventing future incidents.
Political Leaders Continue Solidarity Visits
Visits by political leaders to communities affected by violence have become increasingly common across Nigeria, serving both humanitarian and symbolic purposes.
Such visits provide opportunities to assess the extent of damage, interact directly with victims, and advocate additional government support for affected communities.
They also help draw national attention to the humanitarian impact of insecurity while reinforcing calls for lasting solutions.
For residents of Benue South, Omale’s visit represents another reminder that restoring peace requires coordinated action from all stakeholders, including political leaders, traditional institutions, religious organizations, civil society groups, and security agencies.
The Road Ahead
Although security challenges remain significant, many stakeholders believe that lasting peace can only be achieved through a combination of improved security operations, economic development, justice for victims, reconciliation initiatives, and stronger community engagement.
Benue’s strategic role as one of Nigeria’s leading agricultural states makes stability particularly important, not only for residents but also for national food security and economic development.
As authorities continue efforts to address insecurity across the state, community leaders have reiterated the importance of unity, vigilance, and peaceful coexistence.
Omale’s appeal for cooperation with security agencies reflects a broader national strategy that emphasizes intelligence-led policing and community participation as critical components of Nigeria’s fight against violent crime.
While affected communities continue to mourn those lost in recent attacks, many residents hope renewed engagement by political leaders and sustained security interventions will help prevent further violence and restore confidence among displaced families seeking to rebuild their lives.
Sources
- The Nation Nigeria
- Daily Trust
- Punch Newspapers
- Channels Television
- Vanguard Nigeria
- Premium Times Nigeria
