Gov Alia begs politicians to stop politicizing insecurity in Benue

Benue State Governor, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia has reiterated his call for local and national politicians to stop politicizing the insecurity crisis in the state, calling on them to stay back.

He made the call on Friday during an assessment tour of the crisis area in Ityulugh district, Gbajir, Ukum Local Government, where armed herders had attacked residents.

The Governor said, “If you are sponsoring any militia gang which some of them are, as the traditional leaders have pointed out, let them step back.

“The person that went out there to cry wolf has to come back to answer to his traditional rulers, tender apologies to me as the governor of the state, and then to the entire people of the state.” Governor Alia said.

Gov.Alia queried why the Senator representing Benue North East Senatorial District, Senator Emmanuel Memga Udende, had not presented all the facts that led to the build-up of the crisis in his area.

He explained that Udende is from the area and knows most of the young men there, and is also aware of the real reason why the 2 militia groups were fighting and called on the Senator to expose whoever was sponsoring the militia groups in his area.

He appreciated the proactive approach of the security agencies in the area, even as he said they were finding it hard to effectively eradicate insecurity in the axis because the criminal elements were being shielded by the locals in the area.

The governor assured that the administration would ensure peace returns to Ukum, and called on politicians inciting violence and sponsoring the militia gangs in the axis to hands off and allow the state and local government to take charge of the security in the area.

Earlier in his remarks, the Ter Ukum and Chairman of the Ukum Traditional Council, HRH Arch. Orkaa Kaave said the attack took place at the Ityulugh Council Ward at the residence of the district head, Deuti Adzande on Tuesday morning.