Why I’ll never surrender Benue land to herders — Alia

Governor Hyacinth Alia on Tuesday vowed never to cede any part of Benue state to herders, declaring that his administration will defeat insecurity and protect the state’s territorial integrity.

Alia made the declaration while addressing stakeholders from Sankera, Kwande and Jechira federal constituencies during the opening day of his five-day statewide Thank-You Tour.

“Benue will defeat insecurity. “I will never cede any part of Benue land to herdsmen,” the governor declared, pledging to protect the lives, property and ancestral lands of the people.

He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for strengthening the state’s security architecture, particularly through the establishment of the Nigerian Army 5 Division in Benue state.

During engagements with traditional rulers, religious leaders and political stakeholders across the three constituencies, Alia called for unity and collective support for his administration’s development agenda.

The Tor Sankera, His Royal Highness David Sevav, presented the people’s demands, including the restoration of peace, resuscitation of the area’s waterworks and increased opportunities for Sankera indigenes in government appointments.

Former Governor Gabriel Suswam, who accompanied Alia, commended the administration’s performance and expressed support for the governor’s re-election and President Tinubu’s return in 2027.

The APC state chairman, Chief Benjamin Omale, also urged the people of Sankera, Kwande and Jechira to sustain their support for the party, citing progress in infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture, security and economic development.

The five-day tour, which covers all 11 federal constituencies, continues with engagements in Buruku and Gboko as the governor consults stakeholders and communities on security, governance and development across the state.