The Department of Research and Documentation at the Benue Public Service Institute said its planned security conference aims to support Governor Hyacinth Alia’s vision for a secure and prosperous Benue.

The institute’s Director-General, Mark Nyitse, said this while speaking during an interview on Tuesday in Makurdi.

Mr Nyitse said the conference would propose practical solutions to the state’s persistent security challenges.

As the local organising committee chairman, the DG emphasised the governor’s commitment to fostering lasting peace in Benue.

“The conference has been specifically organised to bring together experts who will discuss and develop an implementable, holistic roadmap for a peaceful Benue,” he said.

Mr Nyitse commended Mr Alia’s efforts in tackling insecurity, noting that since assuming office, he had taken significant steps to address the problem.

He said, “The governor has done a lot in terms of security. He has taken practical steps to combat insecurity, employing both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches.

“These include empowering national security agencies, establishing the Benue State Civil Protection Guards, and implementing initiatives such as regular salary payments and youth empowerment programme.”

He explained that, as the state’s think tank, the Benue Public Service Institute decided to organise the conference to generate new ideas for tackling insecurity.

“The goal is to bring security experts together to brainstorm and develop workable solutions for lasting peace in the state,” he said.

Mr Nyitse added that the institute was committed to helping the government restore displaced persons to their ancestral homes, a crucial step toward ensuring Benue continued to live up to its reputation as “The Food Basket of the Nation.”

According to him, the three-day conference, scheduled for between March 26 and  March 28, will feature a series of discussions on various security-related topics.

He added, “The resource persons have been carefully selected from both within and outside Nigeria to lead discussions on different aspects of security.’’

(NAN)