Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has declared that no part of the state will be surrendered to herders, as his administration works to defeat insecurity and protect ancestral lands.
The governor made the declaration on Monday while addressing stakeholders from Katsina-Ala/Ukum/Logo and Kwande/Ushongo Federal Constituencies during his statewide thank-you tour.
Mr. Alia reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting lives and property, and commended President Bola Tinubu for strengthening Benue’s security architecture. He particularly acknowledged the establishment and siting of the Nigerian Army 5 Division in the state as part of efforts to improve security.
The governor assured traditional rulers of continued partnership in maintaining peace, resolving disputes and mobilising communities for development.
During the engagement in Sankera, traditional rulers, religious leaders, political stakeholders and elected representatives met with the governor. The Tor Sankera, HRH David Sevav, appealed for the restoration of peace, resuscitation of the waterworks and increased opportunities for Sankera indigenes in government appointments.
In Kwande, Mr. Alia urged traditional rulers, religious and political leaders to sustain unity and cooperation for the development of the state. He commended the traditional institution for its role in peacebuilding and urged religious leaders to continue promoting peaceful coexistence.
At a political stakeholders’ town hall, he urged leaders to put the interest of Benue above personal differences and work collectively to sustain the progress recorded by his administration.
In Jechira, the governor held separate engagements with leaders, reiterating the importance of unity, discipline and collective participation in development.
Former Governor Gabriel Suswam, who accompanied Mr. Alia to Sankera, commended the administration’s performance, particularly its ongoing infrastructural projects. He expressed the support of Sankera people for the re-election of Mr. Alia and President Tinubu, and urged stakeholders to sustain unity.
The member representing Sankera Federal Constituency, Mr. Solomon Wombo, and APC State Chairman, Mr. Benjamin Omale, also called for political unity and grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 elections.
