Alia suspends Guma 1 State Constituency primaries for security reasons

Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has taken decisive action by ordering the suspension of the Guma 1 State Constituency primary election due to escalating security concerns. Addressing the press at the Government House, Makurdi, the governor emphasized the paramount importance of the state’s security and expressed concerns about potential violence if the election were to proceed in the already volatile Guma local government area.

Governor Alia regretfully explained that the delegate primaries faced disruptions at Avine Agbom Hotel in Daudu, where party faithful were stopped by non-local politicians attempting to manipulate the process. Citing the emotional and sensitive nature of political issues, particularly in Guma, he highlighted the risk of escalating tensions and emphasized his duty as the Chief Security Officer to maintain peace.

The governor stressed that Guma local government is particularly vulnerable in terms of insecurity, and immediate intervention is necessary to prevent the emerging tensions from transforming into a serious security challenge. He reaffirmed his commitment to absolute peace in the state and urged security agencies to ensure harmony in Guma and throughout Benue.

Key officials present at the press conference included the Commissioner of Police, Mr. George Chukwu, State Commandant of Operation Whirl Stroke, Major General Sunday, Commandant of 401 Special Force Base, Rabiu A, and Jonathan Kwe, Director of DSS in the state, among others.