Former military governor of Plateau and Katsina states, Major General Lawrence Onoja (rtd.) yesterday allayed fear over security challenges in Benue and Plateau states ahead of next year’s general elections.

Speaking at a press briefing organised by the Alumni Association of the National Institute (AANI)) on the need for dialogue to ensure successful elections, Onoja, however, insisted that Nigerians have reason to worry about attacks in other states.

He said the peace returning to Benue and Plateau states, if sustained, would reduce security tension ahead of the polls.

AANI President, Khaleel Bolaji, said security concerns and survival of democracy in the country have raised serious concerns ahead of the 2019 elections.

He noted that the group would bring together all stakeholders next week to discuss democracy and stability for national security to tame challenges ahead of the exercise.

“When there are differences or contentious issues, it is better to embrace dialogue than resort to extreme actions as manifest in recent hate speeches, provocative utterances and recourse to violence,” he said.

Bolaji, who said the dialogue would bring together heads of security agencies and other stakeholders, noted that while democracy was becoming stable, its fabrics was being undermined by failure of national security.