From Joseph Uchenna, in Makurdi
The Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr Hyacinth Alia has called on youths who are still in the bushes in Ukum local government area to take advantage of the window of opportunity to come out, surrender, and turn-away from unlawful acts of killing and kidnapping which have long created social instability in the area.
Chairman, Ukum local Government area Jonathan Modi who spoke on behalf of the Governor when he led a team of military personnel headed by the Sector Commander for Katsina-ala, Ukum, Logo and Buruku Local Government Areas, Captain A. Balora on strategic assessment tour of Ukum Local Government with a view to enhancing security in the area.
He restated the relentless efforts of the Governor to restore peace, encourage investment, and revive economic activities in the state are being felt in local areas.
Ukum Local Government Area which is the pride of Benue in food production is badly hit by armed herders invasion and banditry which has negatively impacted the economy, social stability, and overall well-being of the citizens.
Hon. Modi said Governor Alia is determined to bring peace to Ukum Local Government and put a stop to the economic displacement of individuals and communities which has affected local markets, small businesses, and food productivity, adding that he had stepped up efforts to enhance safety and protection of farmers in the area against bandits and armed herders by adding more personnel and improving on existing security protocols.
“I did not come here to hunt anybody. I’m here at the instance of the Governor and all that we want is for peace to return to the local government so that our people can go back to their farms”.
He called on the people of Ukum Local Government to support the efforts of the Governor by providing useful information to the security personnel to help them carry-out their mission effectively.
Speaking in his capacity as Chairman of the local government, Hon. Modi said he would not relent until peace is returned to the area.
He led the media team that followed him and showed them the projects he has executed, including a temporary office complex for the Chairman and other principal staff of the local government, a well built and furnished Local Government Guest house as well as ongoing renovation of the local government Secretariat which was burnt down by protesters last year, amongst others.
The council boss expressed his willingness to continue to govern the local government in a way that would attract more dividends of democracy to his people.
The Mue Ter Ucha, HRH Utambe Nyagba and the President General, Ucha Development Association, Chief Comrade Booga Abuul in their separate speeches at Afia where the security personnel were first deployed, appreciated the efforts of the Governor of Benue State in ensuring that peace and stability return to Ukum Local Government.
They both promised to cooperate with the security personnel sent to the area by sharing information with them to succeed.
The strategic assessment tour and deployment of security was also extended to Chito and Dyôm, still in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State.
