Gov Alia To Bandits: Come Out Of Hiding, Embrace Peace

Benue State governor, Hyacinth Iormem Alia, has again extended the olive branch to bandits operating in remote areas causing significant threat to security, calling on them to come out of their hideouts and embrace peace.

While thanking security agencies for their tireless work, Governor Alia sued for focused patrols in areas with high crime concentration to root out those who would not want to give peace a chance to reign.

The governor added that his administration was working in collaboration with the federal government to establish a base in Sankera for tactical forces of the Nigerian Army who would help to combat terrorism, kidnapping and armed banditry through rapid intervention and intelligence -driven operations.

Governor Alia made this known Monday, when he made a stopover at Ukum local government area Secretariat en route Wukari in Taraba State for a peace meeting.

The governor’s media aide, Isaac Uzaan, in a statement said Governor Alia again demonstrated deep affection and appreciation to the people of Sankera, promising to bring permanent peace and ensure speedy execution of projects in the area.

The governor acknowledged the humility and thoughtfulness of the First Class Chief of Sankera Tor Sankera and the chief of Ukum LGA Ter Ukum who earlier expressed a feeling of regret for the manner to which Governor Alia was treated when he visited Ukum in the aftermath of the April 2025 well coordinated twin attacks on Ukum and Logo local government areas.

He said his administration was working in strict collaboration with the federal government to bring permanent peace in Sankera and other areas of the state.

He assured the people of Sankera that work will soon commence on the roads earmarked for construction in the area, and the Ukum Local Government Secretariat which was burnt down will also be fixed immediately.

The governor commissioned the temporary office built and furnished by the chairman of Ukum local government area, Jonathan Modi.

The former Governor of Benue State, Gabriel Suswam acknowledged the efforts of Governor Alia in tackling insecurity in Benue State, particularly in Sankera.

Suwam commended Governor Alia for being the first Governor to give Vice Chancellor of FAUM to Sankera since the inception of the university, and called on the people of Sankera to support the governor for the second term.

Member representing Katsina-ala, Ukum, and Logo at the House of Representatives, Solomon Wombo hailed his constituents for always standing in support of Governor Alia.