By Bavoriat Clara
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa, has met with a delegation of youth leaders from the Tiv, Idoma, Igede, and Etulo communities of Benue State, where pressing security challenges and proposals for peace-building were extensively discussed.
The high-level meeting, held on Thursday, August 14, 2025, in Abuja, was led by the President of the Benue Youth Congress (BYC), Hon. Anngu Orngu, CMC, FIMC, MNES. During the engagement, the delegation presented a detailed security situation report on the state, with particular emphasis on the persistent violence and unrest in the Sankera axis.
Hon. Orngu disclosed that the youth leaders appealed for the inclusion of Benue youths in collaborative security efforts aimed at protecting farmlands, communities, and livelihoods.
They further urged the Federal Government to extend the Presidential Amnesty Programme to restive youths in the Sankera area as a sustainable measure for restoring peace.
“Benue State is the Food Basket of the Nation, and its stability is critical to Nigeria’s food security. Safeguarding our people and farmlands is both a local and national priority,” Hon. Orngu said.
The CDS was represented by the Defence Chief of Policy and Plans, Air Vice Marshal Sayo Olatunde, and Major Abiodun Olanrewaju.
The delegation also presented General Musa with an Excellence in Leadership Award in recognition of his exemplary leadership and commitment to national security.
Hon. Orngu described the meeting as a significant milestone in fostering closer collaboration between the military and grassroots youth leaders, expressing optimism that the outcome would accelerate peace and stability in the state.
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