- Governor Hyacinth Alia accused unnamed Abuja politicians of sponsoring militia attacks in the Sankera region, urging citizens to reconsider protests
- He emphasized the fragile security situation in Benue, advising against protests and highlighting ongoing government efforts to improve residents’ lives
Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has attributed the insecurity in the Sankera region to unnamed ‘Abuja politicians’ who, he alleges, are sponsoring outlaws to kill their people.
Speaking to journalists on Sunday after Mass at the Chapel of Grace in Government House, Makurdi, Alia urged unions, groups, and individuals intending to join the planned August 1, 2024, nationwide protest to reconsider and instead present their demands for government review.
Alia emphasized that Benue residents should not participate in the demonstration, organized by unidentified groups citing hardship and bad governance as their reasons for protesting. He stressed the importance of shelving the protest in the state due to the fragile security situation in the Sankera axis, which includes Ukum, Logo, and Katsina-Ala local government areas. He also advised against protests in the country, noting that the current government is working to improve the people’s lives.
The governor commended the State Commissioner of Police, CP Hassan Steve Yabanet, and the Department of State Services (DSS) for engaging union leaders and groups in discussions to dissuade them from joining the protest. He mentioned that the government has uncovered plans by some individuals to infiltrate the protest and cause destruction.
Alia described the crisis in Ukum as unfortunate and noted that a Commission of Inquiry had been established to investigate the situation. Once the commission submits its report, the government will take a position.
The governor blamed Abuja politicians for playing a major role in the continued militia attacks in Ukum. He acknowledged that previous administrations betrayed the militiamen’s trust in the government. However, he pledged to continue extending an olive branch while ensuring that a few miscreants do not destabilize the state’s peace.
“Abuja politicians are sponsoring these groups,” Alia said, vowing to expose those behind the outlaws once the Commission of Inquiry completes its work.