The Gov of Benue State, North Central Nigeria, Rev Hyacinth Alia, has ordered herdsmen to return to where they came on the allegations that they were invited by some indigines of the Benue to destabilize the state, saying his.administration would deal decisively those involved
The governor, who spoke at the Chapel of Grace, Government House, Makurdi, appealed to the people to remain calm, saying that security agencies are ready to ensure the safety of all and sundry
Gov Alia was reported saying
“I am quite saddened to speak about what some fellow Benue citizens are doing. What they are planting, planning, and executing, which is not in favour of the state.
“The security report has revealed that some Benue indigenes have gone out of their ways to invite herdsmen all the way from Niger Republic to troop into Benue State, all in the name of bringing down his administration and this is unacceptable, but the security agents are doing their work.
“Security apparatuses are doing their work and those who would be found guilty of this, will not go unpunished. This is not the Benue we pray for. Electioneering period is over and now is governance.”
In a statement by his Principal Special Assistant on Print Media, Donald Kumun, the governor said herdsmen who have come into the state should return to where they came.
Alia said those who are not willing to join hands with his administration to develop Benue should also leave.
He said: “Please, if you cannot join hands with this administration to improve the State, to bring development to the state, where everyone has a sense of belonging, should please leave the state”.
” I assure the entire citizens that they should remain calm for my administration is not ready to welcome any crisis in the state. Crisis is not the portion of Benue state.”
Alia added: “Security agencies are ready to do everything possible for the people to have peace. The influx of Herders will not harm anyone but they will return gradually to where they have come from.
“The mischief makers who wrote a letter inviting herders to come to Benue State, will be disappointed. I stand on the platform of new Benue where development of both human and infrastructure development, is possible”.
The governor his Spiritual Director and Chaplaincy of Chapel of Grace, Government House Makurdi, Rev. Clement Ugo, and the people for supporting his administration through prayers.
