“No part of Benue will be given to herdsmen for ranching” – Alia declares

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

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

The governor said his administration remained committed to tackling insecurity, protecting lives and property and defending the ancestral lands of Benue communities.

He also commended President Bola Tinubu for measures taken by the Federal Government to strengthen the security architecture of the state.

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

The governor also assured traditional rulers that his administration would continue to work closely with them to promote peace, resolve disputes and mobilise communities for sustainable development.

During his engagement in Sankera, Alia met 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 lasting peace in the area.

Sevav also called for 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 development of the state.

He praised traditional rulers for their contributions to peacebuilding and dispute resolution within their communities.

The governor also acknowledged the role of religious leaders in promoting peaceful coexistence and urged them to continue using their influence to foster unity among 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 traditional rulers, religious leaders and political stakeholders and stressed the need for unity, discipline and active participation in the development of the state.

Former Benue State Governor Gabriel Suswam, who joined Alia during the Sankera visit, commended the administration for its performance, particularly the infrastructure projects being executed across the state.

Suswam also declared that the people of Sankera supported the re-election bids of Alia and President Tinubu, while urging stakeholders to maintain unity and cooperation.

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

Similarly, the Benue State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Benjamin Omale, thanked stakeholders from Sankera, Kwande and Jechira for their support and urged them to sustain it ahead of the 2027 general elections.

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