Benue State’s leader, Governor Hyacinth Alia, has highlighted concerns about the clandestine efforts of certain individuals within the state who are reportedly facilitating the entry of herdsmen from neighboring countries such as Niger Republic, with intentions to sow discord within his administration.
This assertion was made by the governor on Sunday during his address to the populace of Benue State at the Chapel of Grace, which is situated within the Government House in Makurdi, the capital city.
As relayed in a statement by Donald Kumun, the Principal Special Assistant on Print Media, and disseminated to journalists on Sunday evening, the governor urged the populace to stay composed, assuring them that security forces would safeguard their well-being.
It was revealed by Alia that the instigators of the influx of herdsmen into the state had corresponded via letters, extending invitations for them to enter the area.
The peaceful night in Ikobi, nestled within Benue State’s Apa Local Government Area, was shattered by the cruel and senseless actions of bandits, resulting in the tragic loss of four lives. Atule Amodu, a pillar of strength within the community, recounted the harrowing events of Wednesday night, highlighting the brutality of the attackers and the anguish felt by the village.
Signs of reconciliation emerged as the state government and the leadership of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria in the region neared a potential agreement, aiming to put an end to the ongoing tensions.
In a bid to cultivate harmony within Benue communities, a crucial peace summit convened on Thursday, orchestrated by the state government, uniting representatives from Miyetti Allah alongside a formidable coalition consisting of 23 local government chairmen, venerable traditional rulers, and top security advisers to the governor.
Read more: Benue: APC Blackmailing Me — Alia Cries Out
The meeting served as a platform for constructive dialogue and strategic planning to address underlying tensions.
The statement said that the governor vowed not to tolerate any effort from any quarter aimed at destabilising the state.
The statement read in parts, “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 governor elaborated on the eventual departure of the herdsmen from the state, stating they would gradually revert to their points of origin.
However, he called upon those resistant to supporting his administration’s drive for state development to consider leaving the state if they were not prepared to cooperate.
“Please if you cannot join hands with this administration to improve the state, to bring development to the state, where everyone has a sense of belonging, should please leave 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.
“Security agencies are ready to do everything possible for the people to have peace. The influx of herders will not harm anyone but they will return gradually to where they have come from.
“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,” the statement added.
Recognizing their support, the governor thanked the people of the state for their ongoing backing, urging them to remain steadfast in their loyalty to him and the administration led by President Bola Tinubu.