The North Central Youth Development and Peace Agenda has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Nigerian Armed Forces for their joint efforts in restoring peace and stability to Benue State and other parts of the North Central.
The group particularly praised the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, for providing purposeful leadership that has sustained military operations and reduced insecurity in the region.
In a statement issued by its leader, Ambassador Marcus Adams Odoba, the group cited recent gains recorded under Operation Whirl Stroke, including the rescue of seven kidnapped victims in Ohimini Local Government Area and the elimination of suspected kidnappers in Katsina-Ala, where troops also recovered weapons and ammunition.
It added that the deployment of the Special Intervention Battalion in Guma Local Government Area has restored calm for months, a development that has enabled over 1,000 displaced persons to return to their communities.
“President Tinubu’s strong resolve to secure the North Central, together with the professional leadership of General Olufemi Oluyede, has brought real relief to the people of Benue,” Odoba said.
“The Armed Forces have shown bravery, consistency and strategic clarity in safeguarding lives and property. We applaud the CDS for combining military action with community engagement, which has made these achievements possible. Many families are now going back to their ancestral homes because of this joint approach,” he stated.
According to the group, the deployment of additional troops, enhanced synergy among security agencies, and the proposed creation of a new military division to cover Benue, Kogi and Nasarawa States have boosted operational effectiveness on the ground.
It noted that the measures, backed by presidential directives, have led to a significant drop in violent attacks in previously troubled communities.
The group also lauded President Tinubu’s emphasis on multi-stakeholder partnership involving the military, state governments, traditional rulers and local communities, describing it as key to the progress achieved.
“The partnership between the President and the Armed Forces led by General Oluyede is producing results that ordinary citizens can feel. Reduction in attacks, successful rescue operations and the return of IDPs are clear signs that the security strategy is working.
“Young people in the North Central are encouraged by this development. Sustained peace will pave the way for development, youth empowerment and economic revival in Benue and beyond,” Odoba added.
The North Central Youth Development and Peace Agenda reaffirmed its commitment to support peacebuilding initiatives and to mobilize youths for dialogue, peaceful coexistence and collaboration with security agencies, while urging young people to shun violence and protect the gains recorded.
Odoba expressed optimism that with continued support from the President and the focused leadership of the CDS, the region would consolidate its path to lasting stability.
“The restoration of peace in parts of Benue is a collective success that must be celebrated and safeguarded. We salute the gallant officers and men of the Armed Forces who continue to serve with dedication under the direction of President Tinubu and General Oluyede.
“The North Central Youth Development and Peace Agenda will continue to work with all stakeholders to ensure that this peace is sustained and extended across the entire North Central region,” he concluded.
