Benue governor warns communities against illegal mining, insecurity

Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia has issued a strong call to traditional rulers and residents to actively confront insecurity and illegal mining activities plaguing the state. Speaking at a town hall meeting in Adikpo, Kwande Local Government Area, as part of his statewide thank-you tour, Governor Alia emphasized the crucial role of traditional institutions in maintaining peace and preventing criminal behavior among youth.

"Traditional rulers are strategically positioned to identify emerging threats, provide useful intelligence and help prevent criminal activities before they escalate," Alia stated. He specifically condemned the practice of selling ancestral lands for illegal mining, particularly for gold and other solid minerals. The governor warned that this activity not only damages the environment but also exacerbates insecurity in Kwande and other parts of the state.

"Protect your ancestral lands and reject activities capable of compromising the collective security of your communities," he urged stakeholders. Governor Alia also commended President Bola Tinubu for approving the establishment of the 5th Division of the Nigerian Army in Benue State. He noted that new army units would be set up in Adikpo and Anwase to bolster security presence and improve response times to emerging threats.

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Traditional rulers are strategically positioned to identify emerging threats, provide useful intelligence and help prevent criminal activities before they escalate.

Alia stressed that military deployments must be supported by cooperation from residents, traditional rulers, and community leaders. His administration remains committed to implementing programs aimed at alleviating hardship, creating opportunities for young people, and enhancing the overall well-being of residents. In a move towards reconciliation, the governor also revealed plans to engage with individuals who contested against him in the 2023 governorship election through a roundtable dialogue to promote peace and unity.

Meanwhile, stakeholders from the Kwande/Ushongo Federal Constituency publicly endorsed Governor Alia and President Tinubu for second terms. They cited the governor's appointments of local indigenes, support for local government autonomy, and ongoing development projects across the constituency and the state as reasons for their support.

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Protect your ancestral lands and reject activities capable of compromising the collective security of your communities.