Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, Governor of Benue, declared on Thursday that his state is experiencing relative peace, allowing farmers to return to properties that had previously been abandoned due to farmer-herder conflict.
He made the comment while briefing State House media following his meeting with President Bola Tinubu.
Alia paid a visit to the President to brief him on the state of affairs in Benue, emphasizing the country’s relative calm during the current farming season.
“Since 1999, our people have paid less attention to farming, but since last year, and particularly this season, they have returned to the farms.
“We need to produce more and fill our basket to capacity.”
He stated that Benue had made major security gains, with minor conflicts still occurring in two to three local governments.
Alia stressed the importance of focusing effort in these areas to eliminate any skirmishes.
Regarding the federal government’s flood warning, Alia stated that his administration has taken precautions to avert floods.
“We are prepared to tackle flooding, having carried out adequate sensitisation for riverbank residents.
“We seek the Federal Government’s assistance to dredge the River Benue.
According to the governor, the Benue State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) is prepared to deal with flood-related difficulties.
“We are prepared, not just waiting. We have SEMA, an emergency management team, and they are armed to respond.”
The governor noted that in spite of warnings, some residents refused to evacuate flood-prone areas.
“However, the government will persist in appealing to them, simultaneously highlighting the risks associated with staying in these vulnerable locations,” he said
