Nigeria’s Makurdi— In his fervent speech to the state’s ongoing insecurity, Benue State Governor Reverend Father Hyacinth Alia expressed his sincere gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his prompt action and care for the Benue people. When the President visited the state after the devastating attack on the Yelwata community in Guma Local Government Area on June 13, 2025, Governor Alia made these statements.
The Governor called President Tinubu’s decision to postpone other state obligations in order to travel to Benue “a clear demonstration of true leadership” in his remarks. In what he described as “one of the darkest moments for the peace-loving people of Benue State,” he praised the President’s display of solidarity.
Governor Alia emphasized that the state has been dealing with security issues for decades, which have led to property damage, community displacement, ancestral land occupation, and fatalities. He said that 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.
The Governor said, “Your visit ignites our hearts with hope.” “Your presence gives us unfathomable assurance that our people will never again be subjected to this degree of undeserved and barbaric inhumanity, and you have truly rekindled a new leaf of hope in all of us.”
Governor Alia praised security forces for their efforts but demanded more forceful and harsh steps to put an end to the attacks. To assist in the rehabilitation of displaced people, the reconstruction of damaged infrastructure, and the restoration of the livelihoods of impacted families, he requested the federal government to set up a special intervention fund.
Additionally, Governor Alia reaffirmed his unwavering support for the creation of state police as a long-term remedy for the security issue. He underlined that the issues surrounding state policing can be successfully addressed to avoid abuse with the right federal regulations and guidelines.
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In closing, he thanked President Tinubu and all of the officials who attended the visit and prayed to God to comfort the relatives of the deceased and grant blessings for the group’s efforts to bring about peace. The governor remarked, “Your visit gives us new hope and motivates us to keep working for peace and unity.”
Important dignitaries in attendance included the governors of Nasarawa, Kogi, Taraba, and Kebbi States; APC National Chairman Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje; Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Dr. George Akume; National Security Advisor, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; Service Chiefs, traditional leaders, and other high-ranking officials; and the chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara; and the chairman of the APC Governors’ Forum and Imo Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma.
