31/08/2026
GOVERNOR ALIA CALLS FOR DEEPER REGIONAL COLLABORATION AMONG NORTH-CENTRAL GOVERNORS AGAINST INSECURITY
The Executive Governor of Benue State, His Excellency Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, has called for deeper collaboration among North-Central governors, security agencies and other critical stakeholders towards tackling insecurity and strengthening peace and stability across the region.
He made the call on Monday at the North-Central Regional Security Summit 2026, held at the New Banquet Hall, Benue State Government House, Makurdi, with the theme “Collaborative Approaches to Strengthening Security and Regional Stability”, where he served as the Chief Host.
Governor Alia noted that challenges including banditry, kidnapping and farmer-herder conflicts transcend state boundaries and therefore require a coordinated regional response.
He urged stakeholders to leverage the region’s diversity as a source of strength, set aside differences, enhance intelligence sharing and strengthen the security of border communities.
Describing the North-Central as Nigeria’s food basket, the Governor emphasised that the security of the region is critical to national food security, economic growth and overall stability.
The Guest of Honour, His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume, CON, highlighted the need for collective action, noting that insecurity does not respect political or geographical boundaries, while reaffirming the Federal Government’s efforts to strengthen the national security architecture and improve inter-agency collaboration.
Describing security as a central pillar of the Renewed Hope Agenda, the President called on traditional and religious leaders to play a greater role in peace-building and serve as the first line of early warning within their communities.
The Convener, Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd), OFR, emphasised that lasting security must go beyond responding to threats to preventing conflicts, strengthening communities and addressing the underlying causes of insecurity.
He urged stakeholders to confront the realities of the region and work collectively, stressing that no single government or security agency can effectively address the security challenges alone.
The summit brought together government officials, security and intelligence chiefs, traditional and religious leaders, community representatives, Civil Society Organisations and other key stakeholders, with deliberations expected to produce practical recommendations and an actionable framework for strengthening security across the North-Central region.