The North Central Youth Development and Peace Agenda has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Nigerian Armed Forces for what it described as collaborative efforts to restore peace in Benue State and other parts of the North Central region.
The group specifically praised the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, for his role in sustained military operations aimed at reducing attacks and enabling affected communities to return to normal life.
In a statement signed by its leader, Ambassador Marcus Adams Odoba, the group cited recent operations under Operation Whirl Stroke, including the rescue of seven kidnap victims in Ohimini Local Government Area and the recovery of arms and ammunition following operations against suspected kidnappers in Katsina-Ala.
It also said the Special Intervention Battalion had maintained relative calm in Guma Local Government Area for several months, enabling more than 1,000 internally displaced persons to return to their communities.
The group said the reported security improvements underscored the importance of sustained military operations and collaboration among security agencies and other stakeholders in restoring stability to affected communities across the region.
‘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.