Governor Hyacinth Alia has assured residents of Benue State that his administration will not allow any part of the state’s territory to be taken over by herders.
The governor made the statement during his statewide appreciation tour, where he met with stakeholders from the Katsina-Ala, Ukum, Logo and Kwande local government areas.
Addressing community leaders, political representatives and other stakeholders, Alia said his government remained committed to ending insecurity and defending the ancestral lands of the people of Benue.
He said the protection of lives, property and communities remained a priority of his administration, while appreciating President Bola Tinubu for supporting efforts aimed at improving security in the state.
The governor also highlighted the establishment of the Nigerian Army 5 Division in Benue as an important step towards strengthening security operations and improving the response to threats across the state.
During meetings with traditional rulers, Alia promised continued collaboration with community authorities to maintain peace, resolve disputes and encourage grassroots development.
At Sankera, the governor held discussions with traditional leaders, religious figures, political stakeholders and elected officials.
The David Sevav appealed for increased efforts to restore lasting peace in the area. He also called for the revival of local water infrastructure and more government opportunities for Sankera indigenes.
In Kwande, Alia urged residents and leaders to maintain unity and cooperation, describing the traditional institution as a key partner in promoting peace and resolving community conflicts.
The governor also praised religious leaders for supporting peacebuilding efforts and encouraged them to continue promoting harmony among communities.
Speaking during a political stakeholders’ meeting, Alia called on leaders to place the interests of Benue above personal disagreements and work together to sustain development efforts.
The governor repeated similar messages during engagements in Jechira, where he stressed the importance of discipline, unity and collective participation in advancing the state.
Former Benue Governor Gabriel Suswam, who accompanied Alia during the Sankera visit, commended the administration’s infrastructure projects and expressed support for its programmes.
Suswam also said the people of Sankera supported the continued partnership between Alia and President Tinubu, urging stakeholders to maintain unity ahead of future elections.
The representative of Sankera Federal Constituency, Solomon Wombo, called for stronger political cooperation and grassroots mobilisation.
Meanwhile, the All Progressives Congress (APC) Chairman in Benue State, Benjamin Omale, thanked stakeholders across Sankera, Kwande and Jechira for their support and urged continued backing ahead of the 2027 elections.
An APC leader in Kwande, Moses Ternenge, also expressed support for Alia, Tinubu and the party’s candidates in the coming elections.
