Insecurity: Alia Sues For Peace, Unity In Sankera

By Isaac Uzaan

The Governor of Benue State, Rev Fr Dr Hyacinth Iormem Alia has called on the people of Benue State, particularly those from Sankera axis to device appropriate ways of building peace and promoting unity in the area.

Governor Alia stated this Saturday, January 13, 2024 while speaking at Akume Atongo Stadium, Katsina-ala, venue for the funeral of Late Chief Fezanga Wombo, Ter Katsina-ala 1.

He expressed total displeasure at the level of insecurity in Sankera where cases of willful killings and kidnapping have become a new normal.

Governor Hyacinth Alia called on the abductors of the Caretaker chairman of Ukum local Government and his orderly to immediately release them unhurt.

He directed all illustrious sons and daughters of SANKERA including serving and past members of National Assembly to convene a meeting within 24 hours and suggest possible ways of ending insecurity in the area.

The Governor also directed Tor Sankera I, Chief Abu King Shuluwa to summon a meeting of all traditional rulers in Sankera and bring out ways through which the rising tide of insecurity in the area will be tamed permanently.

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He added that all resolutions at the two meetings must be made available to him within one week for necessary action.

While calling on the traditional institution to practice the Tiv cherished cultural values that would help shape the behaviour of the youth, Governor Alia warned that any traditional ruler found compromising the security situation in his area would be sanctioned.

He explained that the selection of the next Ter Katsina-ala would be done on merit and not political affiliation.

Governor Alia who mourned the passing of Chief Fezanga Wombo, prayed God to console the family and grant the soul of the late monarch a perfect place of rest in heaven.

Earlier, Tor Sankera I, Chief Abu King Shuluwa decried insecurity in his area and appeal to the Governor to intervene.

The Tor Tiv, HRM Orchivirigh Prof. James Ortese Iorzua Ayatse, represented by Tor Kwande, HRH Ambrose Iortyer extolled the virtues of Late Fezanga Wombo and appealed to Tiv youth to shun criminal ways and learn to promote peace and unity in their communities.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation SGF, Senator George Akume, represented by Sen. Jack Tilley Gyado, the Speaker, House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen represented by Salman Idris, Senator Emmanuel Memga Udende, Sen. Gabriel Suswam, and the Speaker Benue State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Hyacinth Dajoh, amongst others mourned the deceased and prayed God to grant his soul eternal rest.

The Bishop of the catholic dioceses of Katsina Ala most Reverend Isaac Dugu while praying for the repose of the soul of chief Wombo called on the political elite from Sankera to unite in the fight against insecurity.

Responding on behalf of the deceased family the member representing Katsina Ala, Ukum and Logo at the House of Representatives, Hon. Prince Solomon Wombo said the insecurity in Sankera has given the people a bad name that needed to be corrected.

He thanked Governor Alia, Speaker House of Representatives, Senators Emmanuel Udende and Gabriel Suswam and all those who contributed to the successful burial of their father, praying that God will replenish all their efforts.