Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia has instructed the release of Ukum LGA Caretaker Chairman Hon Hanganoon Gideon and three others, kidnapped by unidentified gunmen on Saturday.
Recalls that Hon Gideon was kidnapped along with three others on his way to the burial of the late Ter Katsina-Ala on Saturday.
Expressing his concerns, he criticized the ongoing killings and kidnappings in the region by bandits, emphasizing that such actions cannot be tolerated further.
Governor Alia urged the members of the Sankera political bloc to organize a gathering with the aim of restoring enduring peace in the area.
He specifically called upon both current and former senators, members of the House of Representatives, and other influential figures from Sankera to convene and formulate effective solutions promptly to address the insecurity prevailing in the region.
The governor instructed them to submit the meeting’s resolutions to him for immediate implementation.
He conveyed his administration’s willingness to involve the youth in constructive activities within the community as long as they refrain from engaging in criminal behaviour.
The Governor further encouraged the traditional leaders in the Sankera region of the state to adopt a similar approach, emphasizing his administration’s commitment to restoring peace not only to the district but to the entire state.
In an earlier address, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen George Akume, advocated for collective responsibility to propel the state towards progress.