Illegal Mining Fuelling Insecurity In Kwande Council– Gov Alia

Benue State governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has condemned the sale of ancestral lands for the illegal mining of gold and other solid minerals in the Kwande local government area.

Alia warned that unregulated mining was damaging the environment and creating conditions that could fuel criminality and worsen insecurity in that location.

According to Alia, illegal mining has contributed to the security challenges in parts of Kwande, stressing that those involved in the practice were acting against the state’s interests.

He urged community leaders and residents to protect their ancestral lands and to reject activities that could compromise their collective security.

The governor’s chief press secretary, Sir Tersoo Kula, in a statement, said Alia made the call on Monday during a town hall meeting in Adikpo, Kwande LGA, as he continues his statewide thank-you tour of federal constituencies.

Alia called for stronger community participation in the fight against insecurity, admonishing traditional rulers and residents to avoid activities that could expose communities to criminality and violence.

He urged traditional rulers to play active roles in guiding young people and confronting vices among youth that could undermine peace, social cohesion, and the cultural values of their communities.

The governor described traditional institutions as critical partners in the state’s security architecture, noting that royal fathers were strategically positioned to identify emerging threats, provide useful intelligence and help prevent criminal activities before they escalate.

On security infrastructure, Governor Alia commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the establishment of the 5th Division of the Nigerian Army, saying the development would strengthen military operations and improve security coverage across Benue.

He disclosed that Army units would be established in Adikpo and Anwase to enhance the security presence and improve the response to emerging threats, stressing that military deployment must be complemented by cooperation from residents, traditional institutions, and other community stakeholders.‎‎

The Governor, while linking the fight against insecurity to economic development, assured the people that his administration would continue to implement programmes and projects aimed at reducing hardship and improving their wellbeing, particularly by creating opportunities for young people. ‎ ‎

He further disclosed that he would reach out to individuals who contested against him during the 2023 governorship election for a roundtable dialogue aimed at promoting peace, unity and peaceful coexistence in Benue. ‎

‎The statement, however, stated that leaders and stakeholders from Kwande/ Ushongo federal constituency endorsed Governor Alia and President Tinubu for a second term during the town hall meeting.