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Tag: Governor Hyacinth Alia

  • Onjeh commends Alia, Omale for APC E-revalidation as members turn out in Orokam

    Onjeh commends Alia, Omale for APC E-revalidation as members turn out in Orokam

    Former Benue South senatorial candidate, Comrade Daniel Onjeh, has commended the leadership of the All Progressives Congress(APC) for the ongoing electronic membership revalidation and registration exercise, describing the process as peaceful, well-coordinated, and reflective of renewed unity within the party at the grassroots.

    Onjeh spoke while undergoing the e-revalidation exercise at the APC ward headquarters in Adum-Oko, Orokam Ward 2, Council Ward, where a large turnout of party members and residents gathered to witness and participate in the process.

    Onjeh, a former President of the National Association of Nigerian Students

    (NANS), noted that political parties remain the driving wheels and building blocks of democracy, stressing that the internal organisation, discipline, and inclusiveness of a party often mirror the strength of the wider democratic system. 

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    According to him, reforms aimed at strengthening party structures, particularly within a ruling party, are essential for democratic growth and long-term political stability.

    Onjeh, who also served as former Chairman of the Governing Board of the Project Development Institute (PRODA), commended the APC national leadership under the National Chairman, Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, for providing the strategic direction that made the e-revalidation exercise possible nationwide, describing the initiative as a necessary step toward institutional renewal and internal party consolidation.

    He also praised Benue Governor Hyacinth Alia, for demonstrating leadership by example through the flag-off of the exercise in Vandeikya Local Government Area and for providing the basic logistical support that ensured its smooth implementation across the state.

    He also commended Benue APC leadership under Chief Benjamin Omale for effectively driving the process at the state level. 

    Onjeh described the exercise so far as commendable, orderly, and professionally handled, noting that it reflected purposeful leadership and sound coordination.

    He observed that party officials and personnel trained and deployed for the exercise demonstrated patience and professionalism, contributing significantly to the calm atmosphere recorded at the registration centre.

    Onjeh specifically acknowledged Alexandra Ochogwu and Ayegba Fabio Peter, the APC e-registration agents for Orokam Ward 2, for their role in the registration process, noting their diligence and professionalism during the exercise at Orokam Ward 2.

    Onjeh further commended APC members and party faithful for their maturity and commitment, noting that the openness of the exercise to all members, regardless of past internal disagreements, showed a clear understanding of the importance of unity and collective progress within the party.

    According to him, the exercise has also attracted new entrants and defectors from other political parties, including the People’s Democratic Party. He mentioned that a group led by Idoko Gabriel and Sunnygoodman Agada, alongside several other new members, registered at the Orokam ward headquarters, describing the development as a sign of growing confidence in the APC at the grassroots.

    Onjeh also acknowledged and appreciated the presence of key party leaders and stakeholders who came to witness the exercise, including the APC Local Government Chairman for Ogbadibo, Hon. Edwin Apochi, and the Chairman of Chairmen, Godwin Abah, who coordinates the thirteen Council Ward Chairmen of the party in the local government.

    He further appreciated Elder Daniel Agbo, the party elder in Orokam Ward, and Abah Okpeke, the party ward leader, commending their steadfastness, guidance, and commitment to keeping the home front stable and united.

    Onjeh also expressed appreciation to Akor Joseph Ogidi, who led retired Ogbadibo Local Government staff to the registration centre, describing their presence and participation as a strong show of continued loyalty, civic responsibility, and solidarity with the Alia administration.

    He explained that democracy is a process rather than a destination, adding that digital reforms such as the e-revalidation exercise will help tidy up party records, eliminate challenges associated with manual documentation, and enable the party to accurately assess its strength across wards, local governments, and constituencies.

    Onjeh called on APC members across Benue State and the country at large to fully embrace the exercise, mobilise others, and take ownership of the party’s growth at the grassroots.

    He expressed optimism that the unity, enthusiasm, and turnout witnessed at the Adum-Oko registration centre would translate into stronger party cohesion and improved electoral fortunes in the future.

  • Renewed herdsmen attacks: Benue Assembly urges Alia to fully enforce anti-open grazing law

    Renewed herdsmen attacks: Benue Assembly urges Alia to fully enforce anti-open grazing law

    The Benue State House of Assembly has called on Governor Hyacinth Alia to ensure the full implementation of the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law of 2017, as a means to end the persistent killings of innocent residents by armed herdsmen across the state.

    The House issued a strong condemnation of the recent coordinated attacks, describing them as acts of terrorism, genocide, and ethnic cleansing, particularly in Yelewata, Guma Local Government Area.

    The lawmakers decried the destruction and loss of lives in the attacks, which reportedly involved the use of sophisticated weapons and explosives by the assailants.

    Raising the matter under urgent public importance, Hon. Uche Terwase Peter, representing Guma 1 State Constituency, lamented the large-scale devastation in his constituency, where entire families, ranging from five to ten members, were wiped out, and homes were set ablaze.

    In response, the Assembly called on the governor to declare three days of mourning, from Wednesday, June 18 to Friday, June 20, 2025, to honour the victims of the massacres.

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    Members of the Assembly expressed deep concern over what they described as the failure of security agencies to proactively prevent the attacks.

    They urged Governor Alia to take decisive action to enforce existing laws and end the bloodshed. Lawmakers also encouraged residents to remain vigilant and to defend themselves within the framework of the law.

    During the plenary, the House also passed the Local Government Bill 2024 through second reading.

    The bill, presented by Hon. Terna Shimawua (Kyan State Constituency), aims to strengthen local government administration and enhance development at the grassroots.

    The Speaker, Rt. Hon. Hyacinth Aondona Dajoh, referred the bill to the House Committee on Local Government, Security and Chieftaincy Affairs for further legislative consideration.

  • Attackers of communities are foreigners, says governor

    Attackers of communities are foreigners, says governor

    • Armed men storm Benue villages in hundreds
    • Ribadu assures of intensified action

    Armed men who have been attacking Benue communities in the last two months are foreigners, Governor Hyacinth Alia said last night.

    According to him, 73 bodies were recovered in the latest round of attacks by the insurgents who swarmed Ukum, Logo and Katsina-Ala local government areas.

    He explained that the attackers find their way into the communities in their hundreds on motorbikes, armed with “AK-47, AK-49 and machetes”.

    The governor revealed that apart from Ukum, Logo and Katsina-Ala LGAs where 72 persons were killed by the invaders, three other councils – Kwande, Guma, and Gwer West – are now under a deadly siege.  

    Speaking on a television programme, Alia said: “These folks come in, fully armed with AK-47, AK-49. They don’t bear the Nigerian look, and they don’t speak what we speak.   

    “Their Hausa is one sort of Hausa, not the normal Hausa we Nigerians speak.

    “Our people who have witnessed the attacks say they are Malians and different forms of people, but they are not Nigerians.”

    He said the “terrorists” operated from cells in Nasarawa and the Nigeria-Cameroon border near Kwande LGA, exploiting porous borders.

    “They come in as they kill, as they maim, as they push people away. They just keep killing, and then they run back,” Alia said, emphasising their coordinated strategy.

    The governor said the latest attacks, which turned Good Friday into a “Black Friday,” saw villages in the Sankera axis surrounded at night.

    “They surrounded a number of villages. They were ready, just willing to take anything walking or breathing out. Anything on their way is cleared.

    “By morning, 72 deaths were confirmed—29 in Ukum, 27 in Logo, three in Katsina-Ala, and others in hospitals—along with countless injuries and displaced residents,” Alia recounted.

    He said another body was recovered, which brought the toll to 73.

    The governor gave the motive of the marauders as land-grabbing.

    “They have occupied some LGAs in the last 15 years,” he said.

    Also yesterday, the governor hosted National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, who delivered President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s message.

    Ribadu reassured the governor of the Tinubu Administration’s commitment to securing their lives and properties.

    Six communities on the red line

    Alia highlighted that Ukum, Logo, Katsina-Ala, Kwande, Guma, and Gwer-West of the state’s 23 LGAs are also now on the red line.

    “They grab the land, they chase the people out, and they stay in the land. That’s what’s going on because there are some local governments here, and these people have occupied in the last 15 years.

    “These occupied areas serve as bases for repeated attacks. Those are the areas you hear of, constant attacks, because they hit and then they go back into the local government hinterlands.

    “The attackers also target food security, with herders in their group destroying stored crops. They would now open the barns, destroy the food, cut the yams and whatever. They cut the guinea corn and maize and throw them to the cows to eat,” Alia explained.

    Governor backs community policing

    Alia said the attackers swarm the communities on bikes, stressing the need to empower the people to defend themselves.

    “The terrorists come not just in their 50s but in hundreds, one, two and three hundred, on motorbikes, one motorbike carrying three or four people.

    “That’s a lot of terrorists just cruising in. Armed with sophisticated weapons, they outmatch local defences, including the Benue State Civil Protection Guards, who lack heavy weaponry.

    “The civil protection guards are also around, but they don’t carry heavy gadgets. The law does not permit them to do this.” 

    Alia advocated community policing to counter the threat, citing the overstretched state of security agencies.

    “The uniform people alone are overstretched. The locals are telling us, we want to go and protect our turf,” he said, supporting calls for self-defence but cautioning against vigilantism.

    The governor urged the Federal Government to establish special security operational bases at the borders and equip the locals.

    He said that the state has, on its part, provided 100 vehicles and 600 motorbikes for security agencies, but stressed the need for more federal support, including collaboration with the NSA.

    A call for urgent action

    The governor, however, commended the  Police, Army, Civil Defence, and DSS for reducing attacks over the past nine months but warned that the current wave required urgent action.

    He said: “The heat is now just quite enormous that more hands should come in.”

    He appealed for calm, referencing a recent stakeholder meeting with traditional rulers and civil society.

    “We need people to understand that we are under a siege. They shouldn’t just say they would take the law into their own hands.

    “I strongly urge our people to remain calm and not take the law into their own hands. This is a new version of terrorism.”

    Alia had, during Ribadu’s visit, appealed to the Federal Government to hasten the plan to return Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) to their ancestral homes.

    He expressed the determination of his government to fully support the Federal Government and security agencies to end insecurity in the state.

    Alia said: “The attacks have led to IDPs spreading to 20 LGAs in the state.

    “The farming populations are all now in the camps waiting for a handout as food.

    “If necessary actions are not taken, Benue will no longer be known as the food basket of the nation.

    “The attackers have taken over communities and settlements, grazing on the farmlands while their victims are in IDP camps.”

    Inspector-General of Police (IGP)  Kayode Egbetokun has ordered the immediate withdrawal of riot policemen deployed as escorts, guards and aides to Very Important Personalities(VIPs)  as well as other private individuals.

    Egbetokun gave the directive at a meeting with Police Mobile Force (PMF) Squadron Commanders in  Abuja yesterday. The meeting was convened to review operational strategies to address the rising insecurity in some parts of the country, especially Plateau and Benue States.

    He also announced that each PMF squadron must maintain at least one combat-ready unit on standby for interventions in troubled spots.

    The police boss explained that their involvement in non-essential duties defeats the original purpose of the PMF as a tactical unit designed to respond swiftly to riots. 

    He also noted persistent misconduct by such policemen and warned that their commanders would henceforth be held accountable for their misconduct. 

     The IGP  said:  “Directives have already been issued concerning the withdrawal of PMF personnel from unauthorised deployments. All commanders are to enforce this directive without delay.”

    “The foundational mandate of the Force has been compromised over time. A significant number of PMF personnel are deployed as escorts, guards or aides to private individuals and VIPs. This diversion weakens our capacity to respond where needed most.

     Lamenting that the actions of such policemen tarnish the image of the Force, he said:  “Indiscipline and misconduct within the PMF will no longer be tolerated. ‘’Today marks the beginning of a new era—one defined by accountability, discipline, and a recommitment to our founding values.

    “Effective immediately, each PMF squadron must maintain at least one fully equipped, combat-ready unit on standby for tactical interventions. Additionally, every squadron will be required to send one unit for quarterly training focused on ethics, professionalism, and responsible policing”.

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    Egbetokun said that all the commanders are expected to lead regular lectures, inspections and localised training programmes that reinforce discipline and human rights.

    “The PMF must once again emerge as the elite tactical unit it was intended to be—disciplined, professional, and ready to defend the nation,” Egbetokun said.

    The IGP also highlighted the rising threat of coordinated attacks on security personnel across the country—from separatists in the Southeast to terrorists in the Northeast—and called for a united security front.

    He announced that the newly established Special Intervention Squad (SIS) will support PMF deployments in conflict zones.

    “Security is a shared responsibility. Our success depends on trust, respect, and cooperation with all sister security agencies”, the IGP said.

    As part of broader reforms, Egbetokun disclosed that the   Force would embark on a comprehensive reorganisation of the PMF.

      “Our focus now is on combating violent crimes and safeguarding national security. We are injecting new leadership perspectives and continuous capacity-building to restore the PMF to its rightful role in internal security and tactical excellence,” he said.

  • Benue IDPs will vote in 2027, says Gov Alia

    Benue IDPs will vote in 2027, says Gov Alia

    Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has made a profound commitment to empowering the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) by ensuring their registration to exercise their franchise in the 2027 general elections, thereby restoring their hope for a brighter future.

    He made this promise while speaking at the end-of-year party organized by the authorities of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), where deserving staff were honoured for their selfless service.

    Represented by his Principal Private Secretary, Dr. Emmanuel Chenge, the governor reflected on the plight of the IDPs in camps over the past decade, acknowledging that they have overstayed in the camps and expressing his dedication to ensuring their safe return to their ancestral homes, where they can rebuild their lives.

    He commended the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Humanitarian and Disaster Management and SEMA, Sir James Iorpuu, for his exemplary leadership in providing effective humanitarian services to the displaced population, inspiring hope and resilience in the face of adversity.

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    Earlier, Sir Iorpuu shared his vision for transforming Benue-SEMA into a more responsive and effective agency, driven by his passion for humanitarian service.

    “As part of this effort, we formally recognized seven unofficial IDP camps as official camps, increasing the total number of recognized IDP camps in Benue State to 14, and demonstrating our commitment to providing dignity and support to all those affected.”

    “To enhance the administration of these camps, we recruited and trained new personnel, who were subsequently deployed to oversee Camp Coordination and Camp Management (CCCM) by international standards, ensuring that our response is not only compassionate but also effective.”

    “Understanding the importance of collaboration, we strengthened our engagement with UN agencies and other humanitarian actors, attracting greater attention and support for emergency response interventions in Benue State, and fostering a spirit of solidarity and cooperation.”

    These strategic partnerships have facilitated increased humanitarian assistance, ensuring that IDPs, host communities, and refugees at Kyogen and other affected locations receive timely aid, and restoring their faith in the possibility of a better tomorrow.

    Sir Iorpuu highlighted the agency’s introduction of a structured system for the monthly distribution of food and non-food items to IDPs, host communities, and refugees, emphasizing that this initiative has improved transparency and accountability, ensuring that relief materials reach those who need them most, and upholding the principles of justice and equity.

    Representatives of the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) among other international humanitarian agencies, presented goodwill messages, while deserving staff were presented awards at the event, celebrating their tireless efforts to make a difference in the lives of others 

  • Alia to demolish kidnappers’ houses

    Alia to demolish kidnappers’ houses

    Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue has disclosed that all property housing kidnappers and yahoo boys in the state would be demolished.

    Addressing the media after returning from an 11-day working visit to the United States, Governor Alia also stated that he would soon meet with all hotel owners in the state over the issue.

    “Intelligence reports available to me revealed that some hotels and property in the state were shielding kidnappers and yahoo boys.

    “If any hotel or property was confirmed to be housing or shielding criminals, it would be demolished immediately.

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    “I want to make it clear that Benue is no home for cultists and that all people residing in the state must learn to play by the rules or leave.

    According to Governor Alia, “The government would establish a call centre where people can call 24/7 to report on general security issues.

    “Security of lives and property was the topmost priority of this administration and nobody would be spared if found breaching the state’s security.”

    On his visit to the USA, the Governor said, “The visit of the 19 northern governors to the U.S. was at the behest of the American government, to find ways of tackling the security challenges bedeviling the region and to collaborate on how to improve on agriculture.”

    He described the visit as ‘quite fruitful and encouraging’, and advised the youths in the state to join agricultural cooperatives, adding that the government would support such societies operating in the state.

    Alia said his administration’s policy to support the youths through Agriculture was in tandem with his campaign promise of youth empowerment.

    Alia also disclosed that his administration was putting in place modalities to commence dry season farming.

    The Governor advised the youths never to allow anybody to use them for mischief purposes, adding that they should tell such persons to bring their children, who were mostly resident abroad, to perform their dirty jobs for them.

    “My administration commenced employment processes with more than 400 youths at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH), to address unemployment.”