Insecurity: Benue Govt Addresses Kwande Conflict
By Armstrong Tseaa, Makurdi
The Benue State Government has restated its commitment to ensuring the security and welfare of its citizens, particularly those affected by boundary disputes and conflicts between herders and farmers in the Kwande axis.
This followed a high-level security and boundary meeting summoned at the instance of the Governor of Benue State, His Excellency, Rev. Fr Hyacinth Alia.
Speaking today at Government House Makurdi, Governor Alia, represented by his Deputy, Dr Sam Ode, emphasised the importance of the deliberations, which lasted for over five hours and resulted in far-reaching conclusions.
He reiterated the government’s dedication to protecting the people of Benue State, stressing that the administration remains resolute in its responsibility to ensure the safety of its citizens.
Dr Ode said: “The Government of Benue State, led by His Excellency Rev. Fr. Alia, has as its cardinal objective the protection, welfare, and security of our people. We are determined at all times to address all issues concerning their safety and are not resting on our oars.”
Dr Ode also called on stakeholders in the Kwande region and beyond to recognise that the government has never abdicated its duty to secure the people.
He assured the affected communities that efforts were being intensified to restore peace, allowing displaced persons to return to their ancestral homes and resume their farming and other occupations.
“We are not unmindful of the pain that families in our communities have had to bear as a result of killings that have occurred in the recent past. We want you to be sure that we will go all out to defend you within all the constitutional means available to us,” he added.
As part of measures to implement the resolutions reached during the meeting, the Benue State Government is to set up a communiqué drafting committee to outline actionable strategies, which they will refer to the relevant authorities for implementation.
Members of the committee include a desk officer from the Bureau of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, surveyors Samuel Nambativ and Peter Oyignu, Security Advisor (Internal) Joseph Har, and the Kwande Local Government Chairman, Vitalis Neji, among others.
Also speaking at the occasion, the Tor Kwande, HRH Chief Ambrose Iortyer, the Ter Kwande, HRH Engr Timothy Ahile, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Special Duties Hon Fidelis Unongu and also the President-general of the Turan Development Association, Mr Festus Terkura Iorkyaa, all pointed out that apart from the incessant farmers-herders’ crisis, the issue of illegal mining activities also plays a major role in the crisis within the area,
They further commended the state government for the proactive steps taken to resolve the conflict, calling for permanent solutions to ensure that peace to returns to the axis.
This meeting is part of a series of engagements the state government plans to hold in the coming days to enhance security, resolve boundary issues, and ensure lasting peace in the region.
