Benue: At last, Alia admits communities under siege, seeks help to tackle insecurity

Benue state governor, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, has made a passionate appeal to traditional rulers, youth, and community leaders to join forces with the government to tackle insecurity in the state.

Governor Alia made the appeal at a Thanksgiving Mass organised by the  Permanent Secretary Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management/Benue Emergency Management Agency (BSEMA), Sir James Iorpuu PhD, on weekend, at St. Margaret Catholic Church, Chichii – Gbatse in Vandeikya Local Government Area (LGA).

He acknowledged that some communities are still under siege but assured that his government is working tirelessly to restore peace in the state.

The governor emphasised the importance of collaboration, saying, “I am appealing to the Tor Tiv and other traditional rulers to help me to work for you. Information is key. If you hear something, say something.”

He also warned against illegal mining activities, stating that foreigners have discovered the state’s rich mineral resources, including gold and lithium, and are attempting to exploit them without permission.

“I had earlier warned that nobody should go near any mining site. The Federal Government is in control of all these mineral resources but they are domiciled in our land, so if the federal government does not permit you, do not come to my place for mining,” he said.

The governor noted that a lot of work is still on ground for him to do in the aspect of security, adding however, that he only wanted Benue people to know that he was working

*As a leader, the fault is mine, but I want you to know that we are working,” he said.

Governor Alia expressed gratitude to the Tor Tiv, HRM Orchivirigh Prof. James Ortese Iorzua Ayatse CFR, and the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Katsina-ala, Most Rev’d Isaac Dugu, for their efforts in promoting peace in the state.

“Security is the work of all of us. In Sankera, the Bishop has championed the cause, there are other brothers too who are assisting. There are certain places they have gone which I haven’t gone myself.

“My people, nobody will come from outside to help us fix our society. We are the ones to do it ourselves,” he said.

He also acknowledged the contributions of Sir James Iorpuu, whose presence in his government has added immense value.

Earlier, the Tor Tiv said the Tiv people are being attacked from different corners, advising the governor to rise up and put in more efforts to save his people.

Also, the Bishop of Katsina-ala Diocese, Most Rev’d Dugu acknowledged the efforts of governor Alia’s administration in bringing development in the state, adding however, that the increased invasion of herdsmen in Benue communities is worrisome and it requires urgent and serious attention.

In his reaction, Sir Iorpuu thanked God for bringing Fr. Alia into his life and sustaining the relationship for 40 years.

He said the presence of Fr. Alia in his life has not only drawn him closer to God, but has also given him a lot of blessings which he will forever remain grateful to God.