Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has stated that the state is currently facing a severe security siege and called on residents to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities.
Addressing the congregation at the Chapel of Grace, Government House, Makurdi, after Mass, Governor Alia emphasized that security is a shared responsibility, urging the people of Benue to rise against the ongoing invasions. "If you hear something, say something," the governor urged, stressing the importance of community cooperation in ensuring the safety and security of the state.
Governor Alia described the situation in Benue as an ongoing attack by individuals with a clear agenda to occupy the land. He decried the killings and the forceful displacement of the people, calling such actions "extremely unacceptable." He made it clear that those behind these attacks have a specific mission and must be held accountable.
“We are under siege as a state, we are under attack, and those who are attacking us must have a face, must have an aim, and must have a drive,” Alia stated, condemning the acts of violence that have left communities in fear.
The governor also warned politicians against exploiting the security situation for personal gain. He urged them to refrain from fueling further unrest, asserting that there are measures in place to identify those involved in the violence and destruction of the state. “Don’t be part of those who are attacking us. We have machinery in place to dig deeper and let us know who is a culprit,” he declared.
Governor Alia strongly condemned criminal activities, labeling all perpetrators as terrorists, regardless of their ethnicity or religion. "A terrorist is a terrorist irrespective of his ethnicity or his religion. Criminality is criminality, period!" he emphasized, reaffirming his commitment to rooting out criminal behavior and maintaining peace in Benue.
The governor also reassured the people of Benue that he would continue to fight for peace and security, promising to go to every length necessary to protect the citizens. He urged the public to remain strong and united, especially in light of the Easter celebration, which he described as a reminder of selfless sacrifice. Governor Alia called for prayers for those who have tragically lost their lives in recent attacks, particularly in Ukum and Logo Local Government Areas, and vowed to do everything possible to ensure the safety of his people.
In these troubled times, Governor Alia’s words serve as a call for unity, vigilance, and collective responsibility in the fight against insecurity in Benue.
