Makurdi: Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has accused Abuja-based 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 allegation on Sunday after attending a thanksgiving service at the Chapel of Grace, Government House, Makurdi. He expressed sorrow over the local bandits who have taken up arms against their own communities.
Governor Alia was responding to recent attacks in Sankera, which initially resulted in six deaths in Ukum LGA, sparked violent protests, and led to the cold-blooded murder of 18 people in Katsina-Ala LGA. A viral video of bandits threatening further violence has added to the urgency of the situation.
The governor likened the security situation in Sankera to an octopus, saying, “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.”
Reflecting on his campaign promises, Alia said, “During my campaign, I told every faceless person in the three senatorial zones who were creating instability in the state to sheathe their swords. The new government was coming in to liberate them, get them out of the bushes, and stop them from killing their siblings. And that is what we have been trying to do.”
He continued, “Unfortunately, when the political wing of it comes into the fray, it complicates what had been there. For many years there had been skirmishes of instability in the Ukum area. What pains me most is that the instability is never created by invaders; it is homegrown bandits who come out there to kill their fathers, mothers, brothers, and sisters, stopping them from going to the farm.”
Governor Alia contrasted the situation in Sankera with other regions facing external threats, saying, “In other climes, if you are talking about insecurity, you are fighting those who have come from outside trying to grab land and destabilize lives. But in Ukum LGA and Sankera, this is a different and strange story.”
Despite the challenges, Alia emphasized his continued outreach to the bandits. “I extended numerous olive branches to them to come out. I offered to sponsor those who want to go to school and help those inclined towards trade acquire better skills to earn a good living. We will help fund their businesses to encourage them to come out of the bushes and stop destabilizing the LGAs and killing their own people.”
However, he acknowledged the complexity of the situation, noting that those willing to come out were often attacked in internal conflicts. Alia expressed deep frustration, stating, “The so-called Abuja politicians are the ones sponsoring and supporting these young men.”
Following the violent protest in Ukum, the governor promptly set up a Judicial Panel of Inquiry. “The very first thing we did was to 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 through and bring out all the facts, we will move from there. But as for the people, they have been watertight secured as I am speaking.”
Governor Alia’s remarks highlight the ongoing struggle to address and resolve the root causes of violence in the Sankera region and the challenges posed by political interference from afar.
