West African Action Network on Small Arms, WAANSA, has commended the Chief of Defence Staff, CDS, General Christopher, for his efforts and strategies to ensure that lasting peace returns to Benue State.

WAANSA gave the commendation following the Nigerian military’s swift response to the recent attacks by armed herdsmen on some Benue communities, which claimed no fewer than 200 lives.

Recall that on Sunday, June 22, the joint security services in Benue announced the arrest of suspects linked to the attack in the Yelwata community of the state.

This followed an order by President Bola Tinubu that service chiefs and the Inspector General of Police, IGP, should fish and arrest those behind the dastardly attack.

Reacting to the development, WAANSA in a press release signed by Ebere Ezinma Ibeawuchi, organising secretary to the Regional 1st Vice President, Comrade Martins Igwe, lauded the CDS for such striking feats and other strategies to return peace to the troubled state.

The organisation, made its position known after a sympathy visit to Benue State, however expressed deep concern over the continued killings of innocent citizens in the state.

“The escalating farmer-herder conflict in Benue is rooted in historical and socio-economic realities, specifically, the growing competition over land and resources. Both farmers and herders depend heavily on land for their livelihoods, and as the population increases and land becomes scarce, tensions are bound to rise.

“WAANSA recognises that addressing the root causes of this crisis is critical to achieving lasting peace. We therefore strongly support the strategy of General Christopher Musa, Chief of Defence Staff, whose commitment to non-kinetic strategy-based conflict resolution offers a realistic and cost-effective pathway to peace in Benue and Nigeria at large.

“We further call on the Governor of Benue State to intensify efforts in facilitating inclusive dialogue between farmers and herders and to develop a practical, long term framework for dispute resolution, especially as land grabbing and communal clashes remain politically sensitive issues that require proactive leadership.

“In this critical moment, WAANSA urges Nigerian citizens, especially the youth of Benue and their sympathizers, to reject violence and avoid resorting to self-help, which only contributes to the illegal proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons, SALW, and deepens insecurity.

“As the saying goes, ‘An eye for an eye leaves the whole world blind.’ Violence is never the answer. The time for sustained, inclusive dialogue is now, because a stitch in time saves nine.

“WAANSA remains committed to supporting peacebuilding and gun violence prevention strategies that foster development, unity, and security in Benue State and across West Africa,” the statement read.