No part of Benue will be given to herders – Alia

Benue State governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia has assured residents that his administration will not allow any portion of the state’s territory to be taken over or surrendered to herders.

Alia gave the assurance on Monday while speaking with stakeholders from the Katsina-Ala/Ukum/Logo and Kwande/Ushongo Jechira federal constituencies during his statewide thank-you tour.

The governor said his administration remained determined to tackle insecurity and defend the ancestral lands of Benue communities.

He also reiterated his commitment to safeguarding lives and property across the state while expressing appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for measures taken to reinforce Benue’s security architecture.

According to Alia, the establishment and location of the Nigerian Army 5 Division in Benue was a significant step towards improving security and strengthening the state’s capacity to respond to threats.

He further assured traditional rulers that his administration would continue to work closely with them to promote peace, settle disputes and mobilise their communities towards sustainable development.

The governor’s engagement in Sankera brought together traditional rulers, religious leaders, political actors, elected officials and other community representatives.

The Tor Sankera, HRH David Sevav, appealed to the governor to intensify efforts towards restoring peace in the area.

He also requested the rehabilitation of the waterworks and greater consideration for Sankera indigenes in government appointments.

In Kwande, Alia held separate meetings with traditional rulers, religious leaders and political stakeholders, where he called for continued unity and collaboration in advancing the state.

He praised traditional rulers for their contributions to peacebuilding and their efforts in resolving disputes within their communities.

The governor equally recognised the role of religious leaders in promoting peaceful coexistence, urging them to continue using their influence to encourage unity among Benue residents.

At a town hall meeting with political stakeholders, Alia urged leaders to place the collective interest of Benue above individual political differences and work together to consolidate the achievements of his administration.

Similar engagements were held in Jechira, where the governor met with traditional rulers, religious leaders and political stakeholders. He stressed the need for unity, discipline and active participation in the development of the state.

A former governor, Gabriel Suswam, who joined Alia during the Sankera visit, praised the current administration for its performance, particularly the infrastructure projects being executed across the state.

Suswam also said the people of Sankera supported the re-election bid of Alia and President Tinubu while calling on stakeholders to maintain unity and cooperation.

The member representing Sankera Federal Constituency, Solomon Wombo, also appealed for greater political unity and grassroots mobilisation in support of the administration.

Similarly, APC State Chairman Benjamin Omale appreciated stakeholders from Sankera, Kwande and Jechira for their backing and encouraged them to sustain their support as the 2027 elections approach.

An APC chieftain in Kwande, Moses Ternenge, also pledged support for Alia, Tinubu and the party’s candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.