Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has raised concerns regarding the suspected influx of herdsmen from neighboring countries, including the Niger Republic, with intentions to disrupt his administration.
Addressing the congregation at the Chapel of Grace, Government House, Makurdi, on Sunday, the governor disclosed that certain locals had been implicated in facilitating the entry of herdsmen into the state.
In a statement released by Donald Kumun, the Principal Special Assistant on Print Media, and circulated to journalists on Sunday evening, Governor Alia urged the populace to remain composed, affirming the unwavering commitment of security agencies to safeguarding the citizenry.
The governor revealed that those responsible for inviting herdsmen had corresponded with them through written communication.
He emphasized that his administration would vehemently oppose any endeavors aimed at disrupting the peace and security of the state.
“I am quite saddened to speak about what some fellow Benue citizens are doing. What they are planting, planning, and executing is not in favour of the state.
“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.
“All in the name of bringing down his administration and this is unacceptable, but the security agents are doing their work.
“Security apparatuses are doing their work and those who would be found guilty of this, will not go unpunished. This is not the Benue we pray for. Electioneering period is over and now is governance,” the statement read in part.
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Alia asserted that the migrant herdsmen would eventually journey back to their places of origin within the state.
He urged individuals unwilling to collaborate with his administration in advancing the state’s development to depart from Benue state, emphasizing, “If you are unwilling to support this administration’s efforts to enhance the state, foster development, and ensure inclusivity for all residents, kindly relocate from the state.”
“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.
“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.”
Governor Alia reiterated his dedication to advancing the development of Benue State and urged all citizens to rally behind his administration’s initiatives towards this goal.
He pledged that those found culpable of any misconduct would face accountability measures.
