Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has blamed some religious leaders for contributing to the ongoing insecurity in the state, describing them as “religious bandits.”
Speaking in Makurdi on Thursday while addressing pro-Tinubu/Alia youth support groups gathered at the state government house entrance, Alia said the leaders in question were using their religious platforms to spread discord and hinder peace efforts.
The governor, who previously accused politicians in Abuja of escalating the situation, said some individuals were deliberately fanning tensions in the state.
“There are some self-acclaimed leaders who only fan the embers of discord so that peace does not return to here. There are some religious leaders, I call them religious bandits who are fueling the bad experiences we are having here. And how they support that.”
“By their own rhetorics, by what they speak; if you don’t have the facts on Benue and Nigeria, shut up! Don’t just say something because you have the holy alters or the podium to speak.
“Speak what you know, speak what can be verified, and speak what you represent and stand for for always.”
Alia reaffirmed his commitment to restoring peace, especially in six local government areas severely affected by insecurity.
“I’m confident that with the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu gives to us, we are going to get done with insecurity completely in Benue State.”
He also praised traditional rulers and other stakeholders for their efforts in promoting peace.
“Our people in the state are suffering so much, their sorrow is our sorrow, those of us who have chosen and taken an oath to defend them, protect them, and bring back peace, I’m inviting all of us, all the good people in the state as we reflect on this great day, as we celebrate those who have failed Nigeria today, let our conscience remind us of that what unites us is bigger than what divides us.”
Governor Alia further paid homage to both the living and fallen heroes who fought for democracy in Nigeria, saying their sacrifices remain invaluable.
“We are here today because of what some people went through to ensure the enthronement of democracy in the country, these sacrificed for the democracy we are enjoying today, we are indebted to them.”
