Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia
Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has offered an amnesty to armed youths operating in the Sankera axis of the state, urging them to abandon criminal activities, surrender their weapons, and return to their communities.
The governor made the appeal during his thank-you tour of Katsina-Ala Local Government Area in the Sankera region, where he said his administration was prepared to forgive those willing to embrace peace and reintegrate into society.
Sankera, which comprises Katsina-Ala, Logo and Ukum local government areas, has witnessed years of insecurity fueled by violent attacks, leading to the loss of lives, destruction of property and the displacement of thousands of residents. Many communities remain deserted as people continue to fear returning to their ancestral homes because of persistent violence.
Addressing residents, Governor Alia said his administration was ready to receive any armed youth who genuinely renounces violence and leaves the forests and hideouts where they have been operating.
He also commended traditional rulers and Christian clerics who have been engaging with the armed youths, encouraging them to intensify efforts aimed at convincing them to embrace peace.
According to the governor, a formal ceremony to welcome repentant youths back into society will be held in Sankera once they agree to abandon criminality and reunite with their families.
Governor Alia, however, warned that the offer of amnesty would not remain open indefinitely. He stressed that any armed youth who refuses to surrender and continues criminal activities would face decisive security operations.
He said the government would deploy available security forces to comb the forests and other hideouts to flush out those who reject the peace initiative.
Traditional rulers and religious leaders who spoke during the event expressed concern over the devastating impact of insecurity on the Sankera region, noting that the violence had crippled farming activities and disrupted livelihoods.
They pledged to continue working with the state government and security agencies to restore lasting peace, enable displaced residents to return home and revive agricultural activities across the affected communities.
