Benue govt, Search for Common Ground sign MoU, launch R2forPeace

By Johnson Arua

The Benue State Government has entered into a partnership with international peacebuilding organisation, Search for Common Ground (SFCG), to implement the Rapid Response for Peace (R2forPeace) Initiative aimed at strengthening conflict prevention and response mechanisms in parts of the state.

The collaboration was formalized through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Makurdi, with the project funded by the Spirit of America Foundation, expected to be implemented in selected communities within Guma and Logo Local Government Areas, LGAs, of the state.

Governor Hyacinth Alia described the agreement as a major step toward strengthening collaboration with development partners to promote peace, stability and sustainable development across Benue State.

Represented at the event by the Secretary to the State Government, Barr. Deborah Aber, the governor noted that peace remains a critical foundation for growth and prosperity in any society.

“Benue State recognizes that meaningful development can only thrive in an environment where peace, trust and social cohesion exist,” the governor stated.

He acknowledged that despite the state’s rich agricultural resources and industrious population, it continues to grapple with security and social challenges affecting some communities.

Governor Alia explained that tackling such complex issues requires strong partnerships with organisations that possess global expertise in peacebuilding and conflict resolution.

He commended Search for Common Ground for its reputation in fostering dialogue and building bridges among communities facing tensions and conflicts in different parts of the world.

“The organization is widely respected for its work in conflict transformation, dialogue facilitation and community-based peacebuilding initiatives,” he said.

According to him, the Rapid Response for Peace Initiative will help build the capacity of communities and institutions to identify early warning signs and respond quickly to emerging disputes.

“One of the immediate benefits of this partnership is the strengthening of our ability to respond swiftly and constructively to conflict triggers through early engagement and preventive dialogue,” he added.

The governor emphasized that the MoU goes beyond the current initiative and provides a broader framework for collaboration between the Benue State Government and the organisation.

“This agreement establishes a platform for long-term cooperation that will support peacebuilding, strengthen governance, promote community resilience and enhance social cohesion in our state,” he said.

Governor Alia further reiterated his administration’s commitment to providing a supportive environment for development partners to effectively implement their programmes in Benue.

He noted that through the Benue State Bureau for International Cooperation and Development (BICD), the government continues to strengthen coordination with international organizations, bilateral partners and development institutions.

“Peace remains the foundation upon which all meaningful development is built. Without peace, investments cannot flourish and the aspirations of our people cannot be fully realized,” he stressed.

In his remarks, the Africa Director of Search for Common Ground, Rag Mulmi, expressed satisfaction with the partnership and pledged the organisation’s commitment to ensuring the successful implementation of the initiative.

Mulmi said the organisation was eager to work closely with the Benue State Government and communities to promote sustainable peace and strengthen conflict prevention mechanisms.

Providing an overview of the project, the Project Manager of the Rapid Response for Peace Initiative, Williams Ubimago, explained that the programme seeks to strengthen multi-stakeholder Early Warning Early Response (EWER) coordination systems.

He said the initiative will also improve trust between communities and government institutions in responding to potential conflicts.

According to Ubimago, "the project is a 24-month programme funded by the Spirit of America Foundation and commenced on February 5, 2026."

He added that the project will run until January 2028 and is being implemented across four states of Benue, Nasarawa, Plateau and Taraba.

“The goal of this initiative is to reduce the frequency and intensity of religious and inter-group violence by establishing community-based early warning and early response systems that can quickly detect and address rising tensions,” he explained.

Ubimago expressed optimism that the programme would strengthen collaboration between communities and authorities while improving the effectiveness of conflict response mechanisms.

Earlier, the Director General of the Benue State Bureau for International Cooperation and Development, BICD, Dr. Leo-Angelo Viashima, described the signing of the MoU as an important milestone in the state’s engagement with international partners.

He clarified that the agreement does not place any financial burden on the state government.

“It is a non-financial Memorandum of Understanding. The government’s responsibility is mainly to coordinate and provide the enabling environment for the successful implementation of the project,” Viashima said.

He added that the organisation and the proposed project were subjected to extensive review and due diligence before the partnership was finalized.

Dr. Viashima also disclosed that the Benue State Commission for Peace and Reconciliation will coordinate the implementation of the initiative in the state.

The MoU was signed on behalf of the Benue State Government by the SSG, Mrs. Deborah Aber and the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Prof. James Ornguga, while the Africa Director of Search for Common Ground, Rag Mulmi led his team to sign for the organisation in the presence of top government officials and representatives of partner organisation.