Benue: Gov Alia vows to restore peace in Sankera axis

Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to reestablishing lasting peace in Sankera, a region long affected by security challenges.

He made this pledge during a brief stop at the Ukum Local Government Secretariat while en route to Wukari in Taraba State for a regional peace meeting.

Governor Alia highlighted ongoing collaboration with the Federal Government to bolster security efforts in Sankera and other vulnerable areas across the state.

He revealed plans to set up a tactical operations base for the Nigerian Army in Sankera, aimed at enabling faster responses and intelligence-driven operations to combat terrorism, kidnappings, and banditry.

The governor also called on individuals involved in criminal activities to surrender and embrace peace, while urging security agencies to step up patrols in high-risk zones.

Gov. Alia further acknowledged the Tor Sankera and the Ter Ukum for expressing regret over incidents during his previous visit to Ukum following the coordinated attacks on Ukum and Logo LGAs in April 2025. He described their gesture as a symbol of unity and encouraged residents to back ongoing peace initiatives.

He assured the public that construction work on previously approved road projects in the area would commence soon and pledged the prompt rebuilding of the Ukum Local Government Secretariat, which was lost to fire.

During the visit, the governor also commissioned a temporary office complex built by the Chairman of Ukum LGA, Hon. Jonathan Modi.

Former Benue State Governor, Gabriel Suswam, praised Alia’s proactive measures against insecurity and called for sustained support for the administration.

He also highlighted the appointment of a Vice Chancellor from Sankera to Father Adasu University Makurdi as a significant milestone for the region.

Hon. Prince Solomon Wombo, representing Katsina-Ala/Ukum/Logo Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, expressed gratitude for the governor’s visit and encouraged residents to maintain unity.

Other key stakeholders including the Ukum LGA chairman, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, and local traditional leaders pledged their backing for the state government’s peace and stability initiatives in Sankera.