Benue Skirmishes: We Will Not Allow Anyone Or Group Destabilise The Govt. – Gov Alia

Following skirmishes that erupted in Sankera axis of Benue State, Governor Hycinth Alia has warned that he would not sit back and allow anyone or a group to frustrate the peace of the State and destabilize his government.

This was as Governor Alia declared that his government has exhausted the elasticity of its patience with armed bandits hiding in forests and consistently disrupting the peace of the people of Sankera axis of the state.

Alia, who stated these on Thursday, July 4, 2024 in a broadcast to the people of the state, warned that he can no longer guarantee the olive branch extended to the bandits in the past.

While expressing sadness over the recent events that happened in Ukum Local Government Area of the state which left the State Government with no choice than to declare a curfew in the area,
Armed bandits on Tuesday night, attacked Ayati village in Ukum Local Government Area, killing six people, a development that led to a peaceful protest in Zaki-Biam on Wednesday, which enabled bandits to hijacked and wrecked havoc, destroying several properties in the area.

                                                                           
Governor Alia, who described the killings as senseless, extended his sympathies to the families of the victims of the attack, assuring the people of the local government area that he had listened to their cries.
The Governor said; “I assure you that I have listened. The mayhem caused by these heinous acts of violence has not gone unnoticed, and I stand with you in condemning these atrocities. Full military intervention has been ordered in the area.”
He said he had already sent his deputy, Mr. Sam Ode, who had earlier in the day, visited Ukum Local Government to carry out an on-the-spot assessment of the scenes of destruction, stressing that the destruction of public property only served to compound the challenges and divert resources that would have been used to address the root causes of the crisis.
He said; “Let me emphasize that while we empathize with the pain and frustration felt, we must channel our energies towards constructive actions. Destruction of public property and chaos only serve to compound our challenges and divert resources that could be better used to address the root causes of these issues”.
Alia reiterated the commitment of his administration towards ensuring the safety and security of all the residents of Benue, adding that he has intensified efforts, collaborating with the security agencies, to bring the perpetrators of violent and criminal acts in the state to justice.
The Governor promised that in the coming days, his government will set up a commission of inquiry to investigate the remote and immediate causes of the mayhem in Ukum, adding that more actions will be taken to demonstrate his unwavering commitment to bring the retrogressive activities in the area to a total end.
Alia appealed to the people of Sankera and its environs to remain calm and exercise restraint, urging them to work together with his government to rebuild and restore peace in their communities, especially as he is committed to addressing their concerns with urgency and diligence.
A statement by Sir Tersoo Kula, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Benue State, said that Governor Alia assured the people of the state that in spite of the challenges, development remains at the forefront of his administration’s agenda.

Governor Alia also assured that he remained committed to attracting and bringing forth development to all parts of the State, adding that he will leave no stone unturned in his pursuit of a safe and prosperous Benue State.