Be deliberate, united in fighting insecurity in Benue – Alia tells citizens

Benue State Governor, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia has called on Benue people to be resilient, deliberate and united in the fight against insecurity in the state.

Governor Alia made the call Saturday, while speaking at this year’s prayer Pilgrimage for peace held at the Cathedral Church of St. John the Baptist, Gboko Local Government Area of the state.

He said the quest for peace in the state requires a collective commitment to bridge divides, heal wounds, and build a society where every citizen can thrive.

“We have a problem in our hands, and this problem did not start from somewhere. It started from within ourselves before externals forces started leveraging on it to destroy us”.

He said for the state to have lasting peace, the citizens have to put aside their differences and become deliberate in fighting insecurity, stressing that he was only the leader, all the people are the government.

He re-emphasized the willingness of his administration to entrenching peace in the state, adding that God has given them peace and they must also give peace.

“For us to get peace, we have to be deliberate, we have to be direct. God has given us peace and we must also give peace”.

Governor Alia thanked all those who have been working to bring peace in their areas especially the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Katsina-ala, Most Rev Isaac Dugu for the return of peace in Sankera.

He called for the continuation of the Peace Mass to include other tribes in the state who are also affected by insecurity.

Speaking, the Tor Tiv, HRM Orchivirigh, Prof. James Ayatse emphasized the importance of unity in the fight against insecurity, adding that, although the church in Tiv land has been praying, the people need to back it up with actions characterized by a sense of unity and commitment.

“We must be united for God to pass through that unity and defend us. Peace is not a one man business. It has to be a collective affairs”. He added, stressing that, although the Governor is the Chief Security officer, he must not be left alone to fight insecurity in the state.

Earlier in his homily, Rev Fr. Marcilinus Wende said the quest for peace requires collective efforts saying individuals, religions, organizations, and governments must work together to achieve peace.The Bishops of the Catholic Dioceses of Gboko and Katsina-ala, Most Rev William Avenya and Most Rev Isaac Dugu respectively, as well as the representative of the Bishop of Makurdi Diocese, including top government functionaries, priests, religious and the laity were all present at the Mass.

Daily Sun