Governor Hyacinth Alia has declared a “decisive offensive” against the wave of insecurity plaguing Benue State, vowing that his administration will not rest until the threat is completely eliminated.
The Governor made these remarks on Wednesday evening while hosting members of the Muslim community for an Iftar dinner at the New Banquet Hall of the Government House in Makurdi. The event, which he described as both spiritually significant and a symbol of state unity, served as a platform for the Governor to outline his administration’s aggressive stance on crime.
Addressing the lingering security challenges—many of which he noted were inherited—Governor Alia used strong imagery to describe the ongoing operations against banditry and criminal activities.
“This monster is called insecurity, but we have started cutting the head and it must die,” the Governor affirmed. “While insecurity remains a concern, we are resilient in our commitment to confronting it decisively. With sustained efforts and the grace of God, we shall overcome.”
Governor Alia also took the opportunity to commend the Federal Government for its unwavering support, noting that the partnership has been instrumental in the state’s efforts to curb banditry and restore order.
In a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Tersoo Kula, the Governor highlighted the unique timing of this year’s religious calendar, noting the rare overlap of the Muslim fast of Ramadan and the Christian season of Lent.
“This rare convergence of Ramadan and Lent is a divine invitation for us to unite in prayers for our state and our nation,” Alia stated.
He urged residents to remain vigilant and support security agencies by providing prompt and credible information, stressing that the protection of lives and property remains the government’s primary strategic goal.
Beyond security, the Governor touched on his socio-economic vision, calling for a “Benue-first” mentality. In a moment of candidness, he urged citizens to set aside personal feelings about his leadership for the sake of the state’s progress.
“You must not like my head, you mustn’t like my nose. That is less important. You don’t need to like me,” he said. “But think Benue, love Benue and join hands to make Benue great again. I invite all people of good conscience to join hands with me so that we can make Benue a place that attracts everybody.”
Governor Alia emphasized that restoring peace is the first step toward repositioning Benue as a prime destination for investment. He concluded by calling on all citizens to uphold:
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Mutual respect across interfaith lines.
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Shared responsibility in community policing.
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Collective purpose to ensure that state goals take precedence over individual divisions.
The administration has assured the public that proactive measures will continue to be implemented across all 23 Local Government Areas to ensure a stable environment for all residents.
