June 17, (THEWILL) – Governor Hyacinth Alia has expressed optimism that President Tinubu’s proposed visit to Benue State on Wednesday will reinforce the Federal Government’s commitment to not only restoring lasting peace but also ensuring security in all troubled parts of the state.
He describes the visit, coming after the horrific terrorist attack on Yelewata in Guma Local Government Area, where very many innocent lives were lost to a brutal onslaught by armed herdsmen, as a profound gesture of solidarity and compassion.
In a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary, Sir Tersoo Kula in Makurdi on Tuesday, noted that such a visit depicts the President’s concern and readiness to take a bold step in the face of worsening insecurity threatening the peace, dignity, and existence of our farming communities.
According to Governor Alia, the Government and people of Benue state are fully prepared to receive President Tinubu, noting that the visit represents not only a moment of national empathy, but a rare opportunity to directly interface with the Presidency on urgent security interventions needed to end the persistent killings and displacement of Benue people.
“If there is any state in the country that needs absolute peace, that state is Benue. This is because, as the ‘Food Basket of the Nation,’ Benue deserves peace, protection, and justice”, the statement added.
“As we invite all stakeholders to get ready to welcome and interface with Mr President, we equally urge our people to remain calm, law-abiding, and prayerful as we receive the number one citizen of our great country”, the governor appealed.
Meanwhile, some survivors of the Yelwata attacks by terrorists herdsmen have been evacuated and camped at the Ultra Modern International Market Makurdi, where they are enjoying good shelter, water, security and other facilities at the moment.
