Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has issued a directive for the prompt release of the abducted Caretaker Chairman of Ukum Local Government Area (LGA), Hon. Hanganoon Gideon, and three others who were kidnapped by unidentified gunmen on Saturday.
The abduction occurred as Hon. Gideon was en route to the burial of the late Ter Katsina-Ala on Saturday.
Governor Alia made the announcement during a funeral oration for the late Ter Katsina-Ala, Chief Benjamin Fezanga Wombo, at the Akume Atongo Stadium in Katsina-Ala.
He expressed dismay at the ongoing wave of killings and kidnappings by bandits in the region, stressing that such acts cannot be tolerated any longer.
The governor urged all stakeholders from the Sankera political bloc to convene a meeting aimed at restoring lasting peace to the area.
He specifically called on current and former Senators, House of Representatives Members, and other influential figures from Sankera to come together urgently and propose sustainable solutions to the insecurity plaguing the region.
Governor Alia emphasized that he expects the outcomes of this meeting to be promptly implemented.
Governor Alia affirmed his administration’s commitment to engaging the youth in constructive activities if they refrain from criminal behavior.
He also urged traditional leaders in the Sankera axis to play a proactive role in restoring peace not only to their district but to the entire state.
Offering condolences to Chief Wombo’s family on their loss, Governor Alia encouraged them to take solace in the knowledge that he lived a fulfilled life.
Earlier, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Sen. George Akume, emphasized the need for collective responsibility in advancing the state’s development.
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