BREAKING: Benue indigenes now invite Fulani herdsmen – Alia reveals

Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has sounded an alarm regarding the infiltration of herdsmen from neighbouring countries like Niger Republic, allegedly orchestrated by some indigenes of the state to destabilize his administration.

Speaking at the Chapel of Grace, Government House, Makurdi, on Sunday, the governor urged the populace to remain calm, assuring them of the security agencies’ commitment to safeguarding their safety.

Alia disclosed, “The security report has revealed that some Benue indigenes have gone out of their way to invite herdsmen all the way from Niger Republic to troop into Benue State.”

He continued, “All in the name of bringing down his administration and this is unacceptable, but the security agents are doing their work.”

In a separate incident, bandits attacked Ikobi village in the Apa Local Government Area, killing four people, as reported by community leader Atule Amodu.

Efforts towards peace were underway as the state government and Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria in the state engaged in discussions aimed at restoring harmony in Benue communities.

At a peace meeting convened on Thursday, Governor Alia emphasized his administration’s zero tolerance for destabilizing activities, reiterating the commitment of security agencies to ensure peace and security in the state.

Alia urged individuals not aligned with the state’s development agenda to depart, emphasizing the administration’s dedication to fostering progress and inclusivity in Benue.

Expressing gratitude for the continued support of the people, the governor affirmed, “Please if you cannot join hands with this administration to improve the state, to bring development to the state, where everyone has a sense of belonging, should please leave the state.”

He added, “I assure the entire citizens that they should remain calm for my administration is not ready to welcome any crisis in the state. Crisis is not the portion of Benue State.”

Alia concluded, “The mischief makers who wrote a letter inviting herders to come to Benue State will be disappointed. I stand on the platform of new Benue where development of both human and infrastructure development is possible.”