By John Joseph
Kindly share this news
Benue State Governor, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia, has made a passionate appeal to the people of Benue to remain resilient and united in the fight against insecurity in the state. This call to action comes on the heels of a devastating attack on the Anwase community in Kwande Local Government Area, where suspected herdsmen brutally murdered 11 innocent residents on Christmas Day.
Speaking at the Prayer Pilgrimage for Peace held at the Cathedral Church of St John the Baptist, Gboko, on December 28, 2024, Governor Alia emphasized that achieving lasting peace requires a collective commitment to bridge divides, heal wounds, and build a society where every citizen can thrive.
The governor acknowledged that the problem of insecurity in Benue State is deeply rooted and cannot be attributed solely to external factors. “We have a problem on our hands, and this problem did not start from somewhere else. It started from within ourselves before external forces began leveraging it to destroy us,” he stated.
Governor Alia stressed that citizens must set aside their differences and take a deliberate stand against insecurity. He reiterated his administration’s commitment to fostering peace in the state, urging residents to take intentional steps toward achieving it. “For us to get peace, we have to be deliberate; we have to be direct. God has given us peace, and we must also give peace,” he said.
The governor expressed gratitude to individuals and groups working tirelessly to restore peace in their communities. He specifically acknowledged the efforts of the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Katsina-Ala, Most Rev Isaac Dugu, in bringing peace to Sankera.
Governor Alia also called for the continuation of the Peace Mass to include other tribes in the state affected by insecurity. This move aims to promote unity and solidarity among the people of Benue in their quest for lasting peace.
Kindly share this news!!!