A coalition of civil society organisations and community development associations in Benue State has nominated three local government chairmen for special zonal awards in recognition of their contributions to security and peacebuilding in their respective areas.

The organisations, under the aegis of the Benue Civil Society and Community Development Associations, said the awards were designed to recognise and encourage local government leaders who had demonstrated commitment to protecting lives and property and supporting security operations.

In a statement signed by the Convener and President of the coalition, Joseph Uyeh, the groups also commended the Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, for what they described as efforts to tackle insecurity and restore peace to communities affected by attacks.

The coalition said the governor’s security initiatives had contributed to the reclamation of some communities and facilitated the return of displaced residents to their ancestral homes and farmlands.

According to the statement, “The situation in several parts of the state before 2023 was characterised by insecurity, displacement and the destruction of livelihoods, with some communities reportedly experiencing prolonged attacks and occupation by armed groups.”

The groups said there had been improvements in the security situation in some local government areas, attributing part of the progress to the efforts of local authorities that had complemented state and federal security initiatives.

They cited measures including the provision of operational motorcycles to security agencies to improve access to difficult terrains, community policing initiatives, security awareness campaigns and collaboration with traditional rulers to facilitate the flow of security information.

The coalition also noted that Governor Alia, during his recent statewide “Thank You Tour”, acknowledged the contributions of some local government leaders to security efforts in their areas.

One of the chairmen singled out for commendation was the Chairman of Agatu Local Government Area, Hon. Melvin Ejeh.

The coalition said Ejeh had leveraged his relationships with security agencies to strengthen security coordination and stability in the area.

It also cited the reported deployment of additional permanent military personnel to Agatu as evidence of collaboration between the state government and the local government administration in addressing insecurity.

The coalition said Agatu in Zone C, Katsina-Ala in Zone A and Gwer West in Zone B, which it described as previously troubled areas, had recorded improved stability, with only isolated incidents reported.

The nominated chairmen are Hon. Justin Shaku of Katsina-Ala Local Government Area, representing Zone A; Hon. Ormin Victor of Gwer West Local Government Area, representing Zone B; and Hon. Melvin Ejeh of Agatu Local Government Area, representing Zone C.

The coalition said the recognition was intended not only to honour the three administrators but also to encourage them to sustain and improve their security efforts through proactive approaches to community protection.

The organisations expressed hope that sustained collaboration among the state government, local governments, traditional institutions, security agencies, civil society organisations and communities would further consolidate peace and create a conducive environment for agriculture and economic development in the state.