Nasarawa Not Harbouring Benue Attackers – Official

The Nasarawa State government has described as malicious and untrue claims by a former member of the House of Representatives, Mr Mark Gbilah, that the attackers of Benue communities were in the state.

Mr Gbilah, who represented Gwer/Gwer West federal constituency of Benue State 9th National Assembly, was quoted as having alleged that Nasarawa is harbouring the Benue attackers during his appearance on an African Independent Television (AIT) discussion programme recently.

However, refuting the claims, the senior special assistant to Governor Abdullahi Sule on Public Affairs, Mr Peter Ahemba, said that contrary to Mr Gbilah’s allegation, Nasarawa has been at the forefront of the move to address the security challenges bedevilling the zone.

He said that as the chairman of the North Central Governors Forum, Governor Sule is duty-bound to unite other governors against any threat that undermines the peace and unity of the zone.

He added that his principal has been leading collaborative efforts with security agencies and other relevant stakeholders to find a lasting solution to the problem.

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“It is on record that the Nasarawa State government under the leadership of His Excellency, Engr. Abdullahi A. Sule has remained consistent in building synergy with neighbouring states, particularly Benue, to enhance peace and address common security challenges confronting the States and beyond.

“As governor of Nasarawa State and chairman of the North-Central Governors Forum, Engr. Abdullahi A. Sule has not only demonstrated the state’s solidarity with the government and people of Benue State over the unfortunate killings but has also been leading collaborative efforts with security agencies and other relevant stakeholders to address the security challenges confronting the region.

“Just recently, Engr. Abdullahi Sule, concerned by the rising wave of insecurity in the region, convened a meeting of the North-Central Governors Forum with all the governors of the region, including the Benue state governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia in attendance. The governor also participated in other top-level security meetings with his colleagues, all with a view to finding ways of tackling security challenges in the region.

“With this demonstrated solidarity for the people of Benue and other neighbouring states being confronted with security challenges in the region and the concerted efforts by Governor Sule towards addressing same, how could Nasarawa State under his headship be harbouring bandits to attack Benue or any neighbouring state as the former lawmaker wants members of the public to believe?

“The allegations by Hon. Gbilah are therefore a malicious attempt to tarnish the image of the State and disrupt the inter-state relationship between Nasarawa and Benue states. As a former National Assembly member, Hon. Gbilah is advised to see himself as a stakeholder in the peace and security project and desist from fanning the embers of discord capable of igniting tension between the two states.

“We call on members of the public to disregard the false narratives from the former lawmaker and instead focus on promoting unity and cooperation among communities.

“We wish to use this medium to reiterate our heartfelt condolences to the government and people of Benue and other neighbouring states over the unfortunate attacks and killing of innocent citizens in the states. The Nasarawa State government remains committed to maintaining peace and security within the borders and sustaining effective collaboration with neighbouring states to address common challenges,” he explained.