Alia Vows Benue Land Will Stay With the People as Security Battle Intensifies

(Hyacinth Alia. Photo by Arise News)

Benue State Governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia has given residents his word that the state will not hand over any of its land to herders.

He made the promise on Monday while meeting with community leaders from the Katsina-Ala, Ukum, Logo, Kwande, Ushongo and Jechira federal constituencies during his statewide appreciation tour.

The governor said his government is committed to fighting insecurity and protecting the ancestral lands of Benue people.

He also thanked President Bola Tinubu for the steps taken to strengthen security in the state, while reaffirming his dedication to keeping residents and their property safe across Benue.

Alia said the arrival of the Nigerian Army 5 Division in Benue has been a major boost for security and gives the state better capacity to handle threats.

He promised traditional rulers that his government would keep working closely with them on building peace, settling disputes and encouraging their communities to develop.

During his visit to Sankera, Alia met with traditional rulers, religious leaders, politicians and community representatives.

The Tor Sankera, David Sevav, asked the governor to do more to restore peace in the area.

He also requested repairs to the waterworks and said more Sankera people should get government jobs.

In Kwande, Alia held separate sessions with traditional rulers, religious leaders and political figures, calling on them to stay united and work together for the state's progress.

He acknowledged the role traditional rulers have played in peacebuilding and resolving conflicts in their communities.

He also praised religious leaders for promoting peace and unity, urging them to keep using their influence to bring Benue residents together.

At a political meeting, Alia told leaders to put the state's interests ahead of personal political rivalries and support his administration's achievements.

Similar meetings took place in Jechira, where he stressed the importance of unity, discipline and active participation in developing the state.

Former Governor Gabriel Suswam, who accompanied Alia to Sankera, commended the current administration's work, especially its infrastructure projects across the state.

Suswam said Sankera people backed Alia's re-election bid and President Tinubu's campaign, and urged continued unity.

Sankera's federal representative Solomon Wombo called for greater political unity and grassroots support for the administration.

APC State Chairman Benjamin Omale thanked stakeholders from the three areas for their backing and encouraged them to maintain their support ahead of the 2027 elections.

An APC leader in Kwande, Moses Ternenge, pledged support for Alia, Tinubu and the party's candidates.