By Bridget Ikyado-Tikyaa

The security issues in North-Central Nigeria are pretty complex. The North Central region, specifically Benue State, which used to be Nigeria’s food basket, is struggling due to banditry, displacement, and farmer-herder conflicts. These issues have devastated agricultural productivity, leading to food inflation, displacement, and mass migration.

Poverty, hunger, farmer-herder conflicts, and terrorism are germain security threats, fueling crime, violence, and instability. These conflicts have disrupted farming communities and agricultural productivity, and contributed to food inflation and mass migration.There have been several recommendations on how to address these issues, but to no avail. Thus, when the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) hosted the North-Central Security Summit in Makurdi on July 28, the aim was not just to contribute to the discourse but to find very workable solutions to the conflicts.From the theme of the summit, “Strengthening Security, Rule of Law, and Justice Delivery in North-Central Nigeria,” one can deduce that the participants, comprising senior legal minds, government officials, security agencies, and civil society leaders, are determined to restore peace, ensure accountability, and initiate legal reforms for sustainable peace in the region.The dicey security situation in the region was captured aptly by Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State when he said the region is facing “a bad infestation of insurgencies and unimaginable violence.” “This summit extends beyond a mere assembly,” the governor stated. “It serves as a clarion call for innovative strategies, transformative dialogue, and collective action to foster peace, uphold the rule of law, and strengthen justice delivery systems.”Governor Alia did not mince words in going through the state’s struggles and lamentations over the recurring farmer-herder conflicts, banditry, terrorism, and judicial inefficiencies. His prayer, however, is that the summit would articulate practical, long-term solutions.For the NBA, the North-Central is in crisis, and the urgency to reverse the ugly situation is real. NBA President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, underscored the urgency by making reference to the recent killing of over 100 villagers in Yelewata and the kidnapping of six law students en route to school. He is also not comfortable with Nigeria’s ranking as sixth on the global terrorism index at a time of food insecurity triggered by displacement. “The killing has to stop, the kidnapping has to stop, and every hand must be on deck to ensure that we do this,” he chorused, and flagged all citizens to be vigilant and get involved in intelligence sharing. TheThe NBA president’s most important message to everyone is to stop the blame game. Instead, everyone must genuinely agree to be part of the solution.This is in line with the aim of the summit, which is to agitate transformative dialogue and ensure enduring solutions. In the words of the 3rd Vice President of the NBA, Zainab Aminu Garba, “Justice without security is an illusion. Both must work hand in hand anchored firmly on the rule of law”.She called on members of the bar to transcend litigation and become advocates of peace, voices for the displaced and the voiceless, and partners in building a just and secure society. “Let us be guided by the conviction that security is a right, not a privilege; that justice is a necessity, not a luxury; and that the rule of law is not just a concept, but a lifeline for any civilized society.”With the recent Yelewata attack as a reference point by all those who spoke during the opening of the summit, the expectations are for the government to take decisive action to terminate the unending cycle of violence, kidnappings, and lawlessness in the region.As the 3-day summit progresses, the NBA North-Central Security Summit 2025 is expected to deliberate extensively on policy, community engagement, and legal frameworks needed to improve security outcomes. With renewed calls for collaboration, justice reform, and community resilience, the summit is poised to chart a new course for the North-Central zone.Bridget Ikyado- Tikyaa is the Principal Special Assistant to the Governor on Media Publicity and Communication Strategy Rescue of 11 Kidnapped Victims: A Bold Step Towards Peace in BenueBy Bridget Ikyado-TikyaaThere have been very inspiring and convincing responses to the security challenges in Benue state in the aftermath of the Yelwata killings. Several measures have been put in place to address the situation by government and security agencies. These measures included the deployment of security personnel, community sensitization and mobilization and other interventions to secure the state and its people.Since the directive by President Bola Tinubu to security chiefs to take immediate and decisive action to restore peace in Benue State, the Nigerian military has deployed air surveillance and additional troops to Benue State to enhance security. The police have arrested many suspects, while the security agencies have also been working to improve synergy and coordination to tackle the security challenges.It is this synergy that led to a significant breakthrough against criminal elements operating within and around Benue State, when a total of 11 kidnapped victims were successfully rescued and handed over to the Executive Governor of the state, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, at the Old Banquet Hall, Government House Makurdi.The rescued victims hail from five different states: Benue (3), Enugu (1), Taraba (3), Cross River (2), and Ebonyi (2). They were abducted and held captive by bandits operating around the Sankera axis of the state. Their release was the result of a coordinated effort by the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigerian Police Force, the Civil Defence Corps, and other members of the Joint Task Force.Speaking during the handover ceremony, Governor Alia expressed deep appreciation to the security agencies and operatives involved in the rescue operation. He described the victims’ ordeal as traumatic and painful but praised their resilience in the face of terror.”It’s quite a horrifying experience. You went through a lot of trauma, but thank God that an operation was successfully carried out at the Sankera axis and you were rescued,” the governor stated.”We are grateful to the DSS, the State Police Command, Civil Defence, and all members of the joint task force who made this happen. This is evidence of hard work and continued sacrifice. Many of these operatives are out in the field doing their part, and so must we all.”Governor Alia emphasized the importance of collaboration and timely information sharing in combating insecurity. He urged residents to desist from withholding valuable intelligence that could aid the work of security agencies.”Let us work together to restore peace to our state and protect our borders. There may still be innocent Nigerians in the hands of kidnappers. Let’s work to set them free,” he added.He also assured that the rescued individuals would receive the needed medical attention and state support to ensure they return safely to their various families and communities.The Director General of Homeland Security, Air Commodore Jacob Akaa Gbamwuan (rtd), who presented the victims to the Governor, commended His Excellency for the proactive leadership that made the rescue possible. “These victims are from various states and were held in kidnappers’ dens before being rescued by our gallant security agencies. We appreciate all efforts and the coordination made possible by the Governor,” Gbamwuan said.In his remarks, the Commissioner of Police in Benue State, CP Ifeanyi Emenari, addressed recent speculations surrounding insecurity in Agatu Local Government Area. He clarified that contrary to reports of nine fatalities, only two persons were confirmed dead in what appeared to be isolated incidents related to robbery or culpable homicide. “Our tactical teams and the area commander are already on the ground in Agatu to respond swiftly to any breach of peace. While we acknowledge the existence of incidents, it is incorrect to suggest that nine people were killed in recent days,” CP Emenari said.He also reaffirmed the police command’s commitment to transparency, pledging regular briefings and open lines of communication with the public.Indeed, this feat is by all standards commendable, and epitomises the resolve of the government of Hyacinth Alia and all security agencies to make Benue State more secure for all residents irrespective of tribe, region or religious affiliation.Bridget Ikyado -Tikyaa is the Principal Special Assistant to the Governor on Media Publicity and Communication Strategy

From Francis Sadhere, Delta

The Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori has commended the Value Rebirth Centre Leadership School for its unwavering commitment to nurturing future leaders.Speaking through the Delta State Commissioner for Higher Education, Nyerhovwo Tonikari, at the school’s 8th Annual Lecture and Graduation Ceremony, the Governor lauded the institution for its role in shaping character, instilling values, and equipping young people with leadership skills.

Delivering the Governor’s goodwill message, Tonikari praised the graduating students for their dedication and hard work, describing their achievement as a significant milestone in their personal and professional growth.“True leaders are not just born; they are made through dedication, hard work, and a willingness to learn. The skills and values you have acquired here will serve as a strong foundation for your future,” he said.He noted that leadership goes beyond titles or positions of authority, adding that it is about “character, vision, and the ability to inspire and influence others.”The Governor’s message aligned with the theme of the ceremony, which stressed on the importance of rebirth and renewal in personal and societal development.Oborevwori expressed appreciation to the management and staff of Value Rebirth Centre Leadership School for their tireless efforts in grooming the next generation of leaders, stressing that the institution’s impact will continue to resonate for years to come.Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to educational development, the Governor stated, “Investing in education is investing in the future, and we are proud to support institutions like Value Rebirth Centre Leadership School.”He urged the graduates to remain committed to the principles of leadership they have learned, positioning themselves as change-makers, innovators, and problem-solvers for society.In his address, the Founding Executive Director of VREI, Edewor Egedegbe, traced the organization’s origin to a divine encounter in January 2014, inspired by Isaiah 58:12. This vision, he said, led to the establishment of VREI in June 2014 to raise transformational leaders and restore values in society.Egedegbe, who is also Director of Studies at the Delta Study Centre, recalled his own training at the Centre LSD Leadership School in Abuja during the 2012/2013 session, which he attended tuition-free, travelling from Warri monthly to acquire leadership knowledge.Founded on June 10, 2017, the Delta Study Centre is the first of its kind in the South-South region, set up to tackle leadership and entrepreneurship challenges in Nigeria through intensive training and mentoring. Since inception, it has trained 792 leaders, including this year’s graduating class of 144, with demand for admission growing annually.The leadership school, which is tuition-free, partners with Centre LSD Abuja, Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS), and Shamar Educational Foundation. Each academic session ends with an annual lecture, and this year’s theme — “Leadership & Value Decadence in Nigeria: Finding Local Implementable Solutions” — was delivered by veteran journalist and retired editor of The Guardian newspaper, Mr. Abraham O. Ogbodo.Egedegbe praised the commitment of partners, volunteer lecturers, and facilitators, singling out Centre LSD, KAS, Shamar Educational Foundation, his wife Dcns. Joy Egedegbe, and dedicated staff for their support.To the graduating students, he charged them to lead with purpose, applying the lessons learned to drive positive change. He also urged matriculating students to embrace the transformative journey ahead with commitment and active participation.

From Mike Tayese, Yenagoa

National Vice Chairman of Phase Three of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), General Alhaji Letugbene has lauded the Administrator of PAP, Dr. Dennis Otuaro for prioritizing capacity-building of ex-agitators in the amnesty programme.

He commended Dr Otuaro last weekend, during the closing ceremony of the third batch of the three-day Leadership, Alternative Dispute Resolution, and Mediation Training For Presidential Amnesty Programme Stakeholders organised by the PAP in collaboration with the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, Abuja. Letugbene, who acknowledged that the workshop has broadened the knowledge and understanding of participants, commended Dr Otuaro and his team for organizing the programme to boost the capacity of PAP stakeholders across the three phases of the amnesty programme.He said as PAP’s Peace Ambassadors, the knowledge gained at the capacity training programme would enable the participants to engage positively with other stakeholders such as traditional rulers, women and youth groups, in their various communities in the Niger Delta.The ex-agitator on behalf of participants, also thanked His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for prioritizing the peace, stability and development of the oil-rich Niger Delta in his eight point Renewed Hope Agenda, assuring of commitment to sustain the peace in the region.”This capacity-building programme is apt and timely. On behalf of the participants in the third batch, I want to express my profound gratitude to the President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Dr. Dennis Otuaro to carry out lofty programmes like this”.While describing peace-building initiatives as catalyst for growth and development, the National Vice Chairman of Phase Three enjoined the participants to share the knowledge gained at the training programme as a way of spreading the message of peace and collaboration to engender all-round development in the region.According to him “Our capacity has been built, we are now better prepared as PAP Peace Ambassadors. Going forward, we will work with the authorities in our various communities to foster peace in our region”.The Bayelsa youth leader also asserted that the Amnesty Office has successfully concluded the leadership training for first, second and third batches of stakeholders in the PAP phase one, two and three, noting that another set of ex-agitators in batches, would soon commence their training to boost their capacity.Letugbene also extolled Dr. Otuaro for being proactive, pragmatic and visionary, saying his commitment and dedication has catapulted him to the front row as the best PAP Administrator since the establishment of the PAP by the late President Umaru Musa Yar’dua in 2009.He equally described as novel, the plans to expand the Amnesty Programme to include impacted women and youths, hinting that the proposed training for the expected new entrants in the PAP is highly commendable and urged the federal government and other key stakeholders to support Dr Otuaro to succeed in his mandate.General Letugbene, however, admonished PAP beneficiaries not to be used as agents of destabilization by selfish politicians as they do not mean well for the region, while restarting his call on traditional rulers, opinion leaders and other stakeholders to work with the Amnesty Office and the federal government to sustain the peace, stability and development of the Niger Delta.