Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has attributed the insecurity plaguing the Sankera region to unnamed “Abuja politicians” whom he accuses of sponsoring outlaws to kill their own people.
Alia urged unions, groups, and individuals considering participation in the nationwide protest planned for August 1st, 2024, to abandon the idea and instead present their demands to the government for consideration.
Speaking to journalists on Sunday after Mass at the Chapel of Grace in Government House, Makurdi, the governor stated that Benue residents would not join the demonstration organized by unidentified groups protesting against hardship and bad governance.
He emphasized the need to cancel the protest in the state due to the fragile security situation in the Sankera axis, which includes the local government areas of Ukum, Logo, and Katsina-Ala. Alia also advised against protests across the country, highlighting the current government’s efforts to improve citizens’ lives.
The governor praised State Commissioner of Police CP Hassan Steve Yabanet and the Department of State Services (DSS) for engaging union leaders and groups in discussions to dissuade them from joining the protest, noting that the government has uncovered plans by some individuals to infiltrate and cause destruction during the protest.
Alia described the crisis in Ukum as unfortunate and mentioned that a Commission of Inquiry has been established to investigate the issue. The government will take a stance once the committee submits its report.
He criticized Abuja politicians for their role in the ongoing militia attacks in Ukum but reassured that, despite past betrayals of trust by previous governments, he would continue to offer an olive branch while ensuring that a few miscreants do not destabilize the state’s peace.
“Abuja politicians are sponsoring these groups,” Alia said as he vowed to expose those behind the outlaws when finally the commission of inquiry completes their work.
