- Governor Hyacinth Alia warned politicians against exploiting insecurity or supporting militia groups to incite discord in Benue State
- Alia emphasized the need to prioritize peace and security, urging politicians to refrain from backing militia groups for personal agendas
Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has warned politicians sternly against exploiting insecurity or backing militia groups to sow discord in the state.
The governor delivered the caution over the weekend during a visit to the Gbagiir community in Ukum Local Government Area, where 45 individuals lost their lives in clashes between rival militia factions.
Last week, Senator Emmanuel Memga Udende (APC, Benue North East) raised a motion in plenary concerning the ongoing violence in Ukum, Katsina-Ala, Logo, and Kwande LGAs, urging the Senate to address the situation promptly.
In response, the Senate resolved to dispatch a delegation to engage with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Alia, seeking a lasting resolution to the bloodshed.
Governor Alia stressed, “If you are sponsoring any militia group, as some politicians are, according to reports from traditional leaders, I urge you to desist. The well-being of your communities and families outweighs personal agendas.”
He continued by calling on Senator Udende to expose any individuals backing militias in his district. Alia emphasized that while casualties from the recent violence included militia members and a few civilians, the priority remains restoring peace and security in the region.