2027: Peter Adejoh unveils technology-driven security plan to end killings in Benue

Governorship aspirant and chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, Dr. Peter Adejoh, has outlined an ambitious security framework aimed at tackling persistent violence and restoring peace across Benue State.

The security plan, a key component of his “One Benue, Stronger Together” 12-point mandate, prioritises a multi-layered, technology-driven approach to end what he described as the “cycle of carnage” in rural communities.

Adejoh said security remains the foundation for development, stressing that farmers must be able to return to their lands without fear for the state to reclaim its “Food Basket of the Nation” status.

Central to the proposal is the establishment of a Joint Operations Command to strengthen collaboration between the state and federal security agencies, including the military, police, and civil defence. The plan also includes increased logistical support such as mobility vehicles, communication equipment, and fuel supply for security operatives in volatile areas.

In a move to protect agricultural activities, the governorship hopeful proposed the creation of a specialised Agro-Security Unit. The unit would provide round-the-clock protection for farming clusters and serve as a rapid response force against attacks, while also feeding intelligence to national security agencies.

Adejoh further unveiled plans for an Intelligence Fusion Centre that would deploy modern surveillance tools, including drones and motion-sensor technology, to monitor forests and border communities. According to him, this would help reclaim ungoverned spaces and enable proactive responses to threats.

The policy also emphasises community participation through a “Know Your Neighbour” protocol, which seeks to empower traditional institutions as the first line of intelligence gathering. He added that displaced persons would be supported to return safely to their ancestral homes through coordinated efforts with relevant federal agencies.

On regional security, Adejoh proposed a cross-border security pact involving neighbouring states to prevent criminal elements from exploiting porous boundaries.

He pledged that, if elected in 2027, his administration would achieve a significant reduction in rural attacks within the first two years and ensure the safe return of displaced farmers to their communities.

“The safety of our people is non-negotiable. Without security, there can be no prosperity,” he stated, adding that his approach would combine technology, collaboration, and grassroots intelligence to deliver lasting peace.