Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State stressed that putting an end to banditry in Ukum, Logo, and Katsina-Ala Local Government Areas is crucial for fostering peace and development within these regions.
The three local government areas, referred to as the Sankera axis, have become focal points for kidnapping and killings by bandits.
Within the past three months, the Ukum Local Government Chairman, Rev. Gideon Haanongon, and the state Commissioner for Information, Culture, and Tourism, Matthew Abo, who also comes from the same council, were two notable individuals abducted within this axis.
Speaking about the need to end banditry in the area, the governor emphasized that development will not materialize until peace is restored.
Alia conveyed this message on Saturday at the Akume Atongo Stadium in Katsina-Ala, addressing mourners gathered to honor their late traditional ruler, Chief Abu Shuluwa.
He stated that the late king died while striving for the peace of his subjects, asserting that his demise should also signify the end of banditry in the area
“Until peace returns in Ukum, Logo and Katsina-Ala LGs, development will continue to elude the people because nobody will want to invest in an insecure environment,” he said.
The governor appealed to those hiding in the bush to come back home, assuring them of his positive intentions.
Alia also pledged that, in due time, the Sankera traditional council would convene to decide the origin of the new king, emphasizing the importance of doing what is right.
Former Governor Gabriel Suswam described the late king as a fulfilled individual, noted for his outspokenness and courage.
Suswam lamented that the people of Sankera have lost a remarkable figure who, despite his extensive political experience before ascending to the throne, managed to maintain a lack of adversaries
Regarding the appointment of the new Tor Sankera, he clarified that it falls within the constitutional mandate of the Governor to appoint second and first-class chiefs in the state.
Kanyi Daily recalls that the Court of Appeal in Abuja had upheld the election of Hyacinth Alia as the governor of Benue State.
