Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has reiterated his administrationās determination to restore lasting peace in the Sankera axis, a region troubled by persistent insecurity in recent years.
The governor gave the assurance during a stopover at the Ukum Local Government Secretariat while en route to Wukari, Taraba State, for a peace meeting. He said the state government is working closely with the Federal Government to strengthen security operations in Sankera and other flashpoints across Benue.
Alia disclosed plans to establish a tactical operations base of the Nigerian Army in the area to enhance rapid response and intelligence-driven operations against terrorism, kidnapping and banditry.
He appealed to individuals involved in criminal activities to surrender and embrace peace, urging security agencies to intensify patrols in crime-prone communities.
The governor acknowledged the Tor Sankera and the Ter Ukum for expressing regret over circumstances surrounding his earlier visit to Ukum following the coordinated attacks on Ukum and Logo local government areas in April 2025. He described the gesture as a demonstration of unity and called on residents to support ongoing peace initiatives.
Alia assured residents that work would soon commence on previously approved road projects in the area and promised immediate reconstruction of the Ukum Local Government Secretariat, which was destroyed by fire.
During the visit, he commissioned a temporary office complex built by the Chairman of Ukum LGA, Hon. Jonathan Modi.
In his remarks, former Benue State Governor, Gabriel Suswam, commended Aliaās approach to addressing insecurity and urged continued support for the administration. He also highlighted the appointment of a Vice Chancellor from Sankera to Father Adasu University, Makurdi, describing it as significant for the region.
Hon. Prince Solomon Wombo, representing Katsina-Ala/Ukum/Logo Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, thanked the governor for the visit and appealed for unity among residents.
Other stakeholders, including the Ukum LGA chairman, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, and traditional rulers, pledged their support for efforts aimed at restoring peace and stability in Sankera.
