By Our Reporter, With Agency Reports
GOVERNOR Hyacinth Alia of Benue has assured residents that no part of the state will be surrendered for ranching or given to pastoralists without the consent of the people, declaring that his administration will continue to protect ancestral lands and strengthen security across the state.
Alia gave the assurance during town hall meetings with stakeholders from the Katsina-Ala/Ukum/Logo and Kwande/Ushongo Jechira federal constituencies as part of his statewide thank-you tour following his emergence as the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the 2027 governorship election.
Addressing stakeholders in Katsina-Ala, the governor said no external force would compel Benue to cede its land for ranching.
“Nobody will force us to cede even an inch of our land to pastoralists for any purpose,” he said, adding that such a development would not happen while he remained governor.
His position comes amid concerns over the Federal Government’s proposed ranching policy and the inclusion of Benue as one of the pilot states.
Alia also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to defeating insecurity and protecting lives and property, while commending President Bola Tinubu for strengthening the state’s security architecture, particularly through the establishment of the Nigerian Army’s 5 Division.
He announced that three military operational units would be established in Agu, Katsina-Ala; Anyiin, Logo; and Azendeshi, Ukum, to improve security in the area. He also disclosed the donation of 30 motorcycles to security agencies to enhance patrols and rapid response to distress calls.
The governor urged traditional rulers, religious leaders and political stakeholders to sustain cooperation, resolve disputes peacefully and mobilise their communities for development.
In Sankera, the Tor Sankera, HRH David Sevav, appealed for the restoration of peace, resuscitation of the waterworks and increased opportunities for Sankera indigenes in government appointments.
Former Governor Gabriel Suswam, who accompanied Alia to Sankera, commended the administration’s performance, particularly its infrastructure projects, and expressed support for Alia’s re-election and Tinubu’s return in 2027.
In Kwande and Jechira, Alia separately met traditional rulers, religious leaders and political stakeholders, urging them to put the interest of Benue above personal differences and maintain unity and discipline.
He also announced plans to construct a new dam with a projected capacity of 460 megawatts, saying the project would provide water and support electricity generation in the state.
The engagements form part of Alia’s statewide tour across the state’s 11 federal constituencies, which combines consultations with stakeholders with appreciation visits to APC members for their support in the 2027 governorship primary.
The APC State Chairman, Mr Benjamin Omale, thanked stakeholders across Sankera, Kwande and Jechira for their support and urged them to sustain the mobilisation ahead of the 2027 elections. (NAN)
