Benue Governor Alia Warns Against Illegal Mining, Calls for Stronger Community Action on Insecurity
Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has urged traditional rulers and residents across the state to take a stronger role in tackling insecurity and preventing activities that could expose their communities to crime and violence.
The governor made the call during a town hall meeting in Adikpo, Kwande Local Government Area, where he appealed to community leaders to work closely with security agencies and the government to protect their communities.
Alia Charges Traditional Rulers to Act Against Youth Vices
Governor Alia said traditional rulers have an important role to play in maintaining peace, particularly by guiding young people and addressing social vices before they develop into serious security threats.
He described traditional institutions as an important part of the state’s security structure, noting that royal fathers are often in a strong position to identify emerging problems, provide useful information and help stop criminal activities before they escalate.
The governor urged community leaders to take their responsibilities seriously and ensure that activities capable of weakening social cohesion and the cultural values of their communities are not allowed to thrive.
Governor Condemns Sale of Ancestral Land for Illegal Mining
Alia also raised concerns over the growing practice of selling ancestral lands for illegal mining activities, particularly gold mining and the extraction of other solid minerals in Kwande.
He warned that unregulated mining was not only damaging the environment but could also create conditions that encourage criminality and worsen existing security challenges.
According to the governor, communities must resist the temptation to trade away their ancestral lands for short-term financial gains at the expense of their long-term security and wellbeing.
He called on traditional rulers, community leaders and residents to protect their lands and reject activities that could compromise the safety and future of their communities.
New Army Division Expected to Strengthen Security in Benue
Governor Alia expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the establishment of the 5th Division of the Nigerian Army, saying the development would significantly strengthen military operations and security coverage across Benue State.
He disclosed that Army units would be established in Adikpo and Anwase to increase security presence and improve the response to emerging threats in the affected areas.
The governor, however, stressed that military deployment alone would not be enough to guarantee lasting peace.
He said residents, traditional institutions and other community stakeholders must cooperate with security agencies by providing relevant information and supporting efforts to prevent criminal activities.
Alia Promises More Opportunities for Benue Youths
The governor also assured residents that his administration would continue implementing programmes and projects designed to reduce hardship and improve living conditions across the state.
He particularly highlighted the need to create more opportunities for young people, saying empowering youths would help reduce the conditions that can make them vulnerable to crime and other social vices.
Governor Plans Dialogue With 2023 Political Opponents
In another move aimed at strengthening peace and political unity in the state, Alia disclosed plans to reach out to individuals who contested against him during the 2023 governorship election.
He said he intends to bring the political actors together for a roundtable dialogue focused on peace, unity and peaceful coexistence in Benue.
The governor’s comments came as leaders and stakeholders from the Kwande/Ushongo Federal Constituency expressed support for his administration and endorsed both Alia and President Tinubu for a second term during the town hall meeting.
