Makurdi, Nigeria — Benue State Governor, Reverend Father Hyacinth Alia, has spoken out strongly against the state’s continuous insecurity, thanking President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his quick action and care for the people of Benue. Governor Alia made these words during the President’s visit to the state on June 13, 2025, in the aftermath of the horrific attack on the Yelwata community in Guma LGA.
In his remarks, the Governor complimented President Tinubu’s decision to forego other state obligations to personally visit Benue, calling it “a clear demonstration of true leadership.” He praised the President’s display of unity during “one of the darkest moments for the peace-loving people of Benue State.”
Governor Alia emphasized that the state’s security difficulties have continued for decades, resulting in the loss of life, damage of property, relocation of populations, and occupation of ancestral land. He observed that the President’s visit was the first time a sitting Nigerian leader had visited particularly to address the insecurity situation in Benue, a move he believes will signal a watershed moment for peace and stability.
“Your visit has ignited hope in our hearts,” the Governor added. “You have truly rekindled a new leaf of hope in all of us, and your presence provides unimaginable reassurance that never again will our people be subjected to this degree of undeserved and barbaric inhumanity.”
Governor Alia praised security forces for their efforts, but asked for more aggressive and harsh steps to put an end to the attacks. He encouraged the federal government to establish a special intervention fund to aid in the rehabilitation of displaced people, the reconstruction of destroyed infrastructure, and the restoration of impacted families’ livelihoods.
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Governor Alia also restated his strong support for the creation of state police as a long-term solution to the security situation. He stressed that by establishing suitable federal rules and regulatory frameworks, the issues about state policing may be properly handled to prevent misuse.
He closed by thanking President Tinubu and all dignitaries who attended the visit, and prayed to God to console the grieving families and bless the joint efforts for peace. “Your visit rekindles our hope and energizes us to continue striving for peace and unity,” according to the governor.
Key dignitaries present at the event included the Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara; Chairman of the APC Governors’ Forum and Imo Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma; Governors of Nasarawa, Kogi, Taraba, and Kebbi States; APC National Chairman Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje; Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Dr. George Akume; National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; Service Chiefs, traditional rul
