Alia’s N5m Support For Families Of Fallen Heroes Hailed

A group, The Pathfinders Arewa Project has lauded Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State for donating N5 million each to the families of security personnel killed in the fight against banditry in the state.

The group said the gesture showed the governor’s compassion and recognition of the sacrifices made by police operatives, NSCDC, Army, Benue Civil Protection Guards and Operation Zenda Joint Task Force.

In a statement issued yesterday and signed by its chairman, Abdulhamid Abdullahi Jakadan, the group noted that the governor has consistently shown leadership anchored on compassion, inclusiveness, and accountability, adding that the welfare of families of fallen heroes has remained a priority of the administration.

“The governor’s intervention is not just a token of support, but a strong message that the sacrifices of our security operatives will never be forgotten. This is leadership that listens and acts”.

The Pathfinders Arewa Project further commended the governor for the security initiatives rolled out in the state, recalling the launch of a state-wide security outfit in 2024 which deployed 10,000 trained youths with motorcycles and patrol vehicles to assist conventional agencies and protect farmlands.

The group said Alia’s record was not limited to security, noting that his administration had undertaken sweeping reforms across infrastructure, education, health, agriculture, transport and social welfare.

On education, Pathfinder project highlighted the ongoing construction of 374 school projects, employment of over 9,000 teachers, free WAEC, NECO and NABTEB registration for all public school students, and a revived bursary scheme that has supported more than 30,000 undergraduates across Nigeria.

The organisation also pointed to the distribution of fertiliser, seedlings and farm implements to farmers, the introduction of the “Alia Cares” scheme to empower smallholder farmers, and the revitalisation of Benue Links with over 100 new buses as steps that are transforming the economy and creating jobs.

According to the group, Alia’s administration has strengthened religious harmony by sponsoring Muslim and Christian pilgrimages and distributing food and relief materials to displaced persons and victims of attacks.