Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has accused “Abuja politicians” of orchestrating the armed banditry and killings in the Sankera region, which includes Katsina-Ala, Ukum, and Logo Local Government Areas (LGAs).
The governor made this claim on Sunday after attending a Thanksgiving service at the Chapel of Grace, Government House in Makurdi. He lamented that the bandits are homegrown and have taken up arms against their own communities.
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The governor’s comments were in response to recent attacks in Sankera, which resulted in the deaths of six people in Ukum LGA, sparking a violent protest. Additionally, 18 people were killed in Katsina-Ala LGA, and a viral video showed bandits threatening further violence. Governor Alia’s administration is working to end the bloodshed in the region.
Describing the security situation in Sankera, the governor said, “I used that in the sense that we are talking about the composition of every frame and form of insecurity that has come up on the people of Ukum LGA.”
He recalled his campaign promises, urging those causing instability to lay down their arms and promising that his government would help them reintegrate into society. “During my campaign, I told every faceless person in the three senatorial zones who were creating instability in the state to sheathe their swords and that the new government was coming in to liberate them, to get them out of the bushes, and to stop them from killing their siblings. And that is what we have been trying to do.”
Governor Alia expressed frustration over the involvement of political elements, saying, “Unfortunately, when the political wing of it comes into the fray, it kind of complicates what had been there. For many years, there have been skirmishes of instability in the Ukum area.”
He highlighted the internal nature of the violence, stating, “What pains me most is that the instability is never created by the invaders; it is not from the outsiders. It is the homegrown bandits who come out there to kill their fathers and mothers and their brothers and sisters, stopping them from going to the farm.”
Governor Alia offered several initiatives to encourage the bandits to abandon their violent ways, including educational sponsorships and skills training. However, internal conflicts and attacks within the bandit groups have hindered progress. He expressed deep concern that “Abuja politicians” are allegedly sponsoring and supporting these young men.
Following the violent protest in Ukum, Governor Alia’s administration has established a Judicial Panel of Inquiry, which is actively working to uncover the facts. He assured the public that security measures have been intensified to protect the people in the affected areas. “The very first thing we did was set up a judicial panel of inquiry. And it is already at work. So, there is no need to pre-empt anything yet. Once they comb and bring out all the facts, then we move from there. But as for the people, they have been watertightly secured as I am speaking.”
