Governor Alia calls for community action against insecurity, illegal mining in Benue

‎Benue State Governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has called for stronger community participation in the fight against insecurity, admonishing traditional rulers and residents against activities capable of exposing communities to criminality and violence.

The Governor made the call during a town hall in Adikpo, Kwande local government area of the state, as he continues his statewide thank you tour of Federal Constituencies. 

He urged traditional rulers to take a more active role in guiding young people and confronting youth vices that could undermine peace, social cohesion and the cultural values of their communities.

‎The Governor described traditional institutions as critical partners in the state’s security architecture, noting that royal fathers are strategically positioned to identify emerging threats, provide useful intelligence and help prevent criminal activities before they escalate.

‎He condemned the sale of ancestral lands for illegal mining in Kwande, particularly gold and other solid minerals, warning that unregulated mining was damaging the environment and creating conditions that could fuel criminality and worsen insecurity in that location.

‎According to Governor Alia, illegal mining has contributed to security challenges in parts of Kwande, stressing that those involved in the practice were acting against the interests of the state. 

He urged community leaders and residents to protect their ancestral lands and reject activities capable of compromising their collective security.

‎On security infrastructure, the Governor expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the establishment of the 5th Division of the Nigerian Army, saying the development would strengthen military operations and improve security coverage across Benue.

‎He disclosed that Army units would be established in Adikpo and Anwase to enhance security presence and improve response to emerging threats, stressing however, that military deployment must be complemented by cooperation from residents, traditional institutions and other community stakeholders.

‎The Governor while linking the fight against insecurity to economic development, assured the people that his administration would continue to implement programmes and projects aimed at reducing hardship and improving their wellbeing, particularly by creating opportunities for young people.

‎He further disclosed that he would reach out to individuals who contested against him during the 2023 governorship election for a roundtable dialogue aimed at promoting peace, unity and peaceful coexistence in Benue.

‎Meanwhile, leaders and stakeholders from Kwande/ Ushongo federal constituency, endorsed Governor Alia and President Tinubu for a second term during the town hall meeting. 

They attributed their support to what they described as the Governor’s equitable appointments of indigenes, promotion of local government autonomy and execution of development projects across the constituency and the State. 

‎The Governor’s thank you tour has continued in other federal constituencies across Benue, with the administration maintaining that stronger collaboration between government, security agencies, traditional rulers and communities remains essential to sustaining peace and development in the state.