Nigeria’s Makurdi— Governor of Benue State Reverend Father Hyacinth Alia has spoken out strongly against the state’s ongoing insecurity and thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his prompt action and care for the people of Benue. These statements were made by Governor Alia during the President’s visit to the state after the June 13, 2025, horrific attack on the Yelwata community in Guma Local Government Area.
“A clear demonstration of true leadership,” the governor said in his speech, praising President Tinubu’s choice to forego other state obligations in order to visit Benue in person. The President’s display of solidarity amid what he described as “one of the darkest moments for the peace-loving people of Benue State” was praised by him.
Governor Alia emphasized that the state has been dealing with security issues for decades, which have led to property damage, community dislocation, death tolls, and the occupation of ancestral territories. He said the President’s visit was the first time a sitting Nigerian leader had specifically addressed the Benue insecurity situation, and he thinks it will be a watershed moment for peace and stability.
“Your visit ignites our hearts with hope,” the Governor said. “You have genuinely given us all hope again, and your presence gives us unfathomable assurance that our people will never again have to endure this level of unjustified and savage inhumanity.”
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Governor Alia urged for more aggressive and harsh steps to put an end to the attacks, while also praising security forces for their efforts. In order to support the rehabilitation of displaced people, rehabilitate damaged infrastructure, and help impacted families regain their standard of living, he requested the federal government to set up a special intervention fund.
As a long-term solution to the security issue, Governor Alia also reaffirmed his steadfast support for the creation of state police. State policing issues can be successfully addressed to prevent abuse with the right federal rules and regulatory frameworks, he underlined.
He thanked President Tinubu and all of the officials who attended the visit before pleading with God to comfort the relatives of the deceased and grant blessings for the group’s efforts to bring about peace. “Your visit gives us new hope and motivates us to keep working for peace and harmony,” the governor stated.
APC National Chairman Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, the governors of Nasarawa, Kogi, Taraba, and Kebbi States, the chairman of the APC Governors’ Forum and Imo Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, the chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara, the national security adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, service chiefs, traditional leaders, and other high-ranking officials were among the dignitaries in attendance.
