The governor of Benue state, Hyacinth Alia has warned youths in the state who planned to protest the incessant killings in Benue state to desist from doing so.
In a statement issued on Sunday morning by the governor’s chief press secretary, Tersoo Kulas said the government has Intelligence reports that the protesters planned to block the Makurdi bridge in North Bank.
Kulas said the governor was working with federal security agencies to bring the situation under Control and called on Benue indigenes to remain law abiding.
The statement reads:
“The attention of the Benue State Government has been drawn to credible intelligence indicating plans by certain groups of youths to stage a protest on today, Sunday, 15th June 2025, at various entry and exit points into Makurdi Metropolis, particularly the River Benue Bridge in North Bank.
“While Governor Hyacinth Alia acknowledges and shares in the grief and frustration caused by the recent security breaches and attacks on innocent communities by criminal elements suspected to be armed herdsmen, we wish to strongly caution against any form of protest that could obstruct public peace, disrupt economic activities, or endanger lives and property.
“We call on our youths to remain law-abiding and not allow themselves to be used by faceless individuals with ulterior motives. Intelligence available to us indicates that these protests may be exploited as a distraction for orchestrating further attacks on vulnerable communities. We therefore call for utmost vigilance and collective responsibility.
“The State Government is consistently engaging with Federal security agencies, traditional rulers, community leaders, and relevant stakeholders to strengthen security interventions and provide lasting solutions to these persistent attacks.
“We assure citizens that:
Additional security deployments are being arranged for vulnerable areas.
“Strategic community dialogues are ongoing to enhance active intelligence sharing.
“The government will not relent in its utmost commitment to defending the lives and properties of all residents.
“In the spirit of peace and unity, we call on religious, traditional, and political leaders across the state to sensitize and guide the youths under their influence against unlawful gatherings or confrontations that may spiral out of control.
“We appeal to the public to make use of official communication channels to report any suspicious activities and to stay informed through credible sources.
“Benue State remains committed to justice, peace, and security for all”.
