Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has urged residents to remain steadfast and united in tackling the security challenges facing the state. The governor made this appeal on Saturday, December 28, 2024, during the annual Prayer Pilgrimage for Peace held at the Cathedral Church of St. John the Baptist, Gboko.
His call for collective action comes just days after a tragic attack on Christmas Day in Anwase, Kwande Local Government Area, where suspected herdsmen brutally killed 11 innocent residents. Addressing the alarming incident, Alia stressed the importance of bridging divides and fostering a community where peace and security prevail.
“We have a problem on our hands, and it began within us before external forces took advantage of it to harm us,” the governor stated, emphasizing that lasting peace can only be achieved when citizens put aside their differences and work together to confront insecurity. He added, “While I am the leader, all of us together form the government, and we must act deliberately to achieve peace.”
Alia reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to restoring peace across the state and called on residents to take intentional steps to ensure stability. “Peace is a gift from God, but we must also take responsibility for creating and sustaining it,” he remarked.
The governor extended his appreciation to those actively contributing to peacebuilding in their communities. He specifically acknowledged the efforts of Most Rev. Isaac Dugu, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Katsina-Ala, for fostering reconciliation and stability in the Sankera region. Alia also recommended expanding the Peace Mass initiative to include other affected tribes in the state to address the widespread impact of insecurity.
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