Nigerian Concord Newspaper
Benue State Deputy Governor, Dr. Sam Ode has dismissed reports that there are discordant opinions within the government of the state regarding insecurity.
Barrister Sam Ode made the clarification in a press statement signed and issued to journalists in Makurdi today by his Chief Press Secretary, Ior Ikyereve
The statement reads:
This statement seeks to address certain interpretations, innuendos and narratives making the rounds in response to the video recently posted on the “Benue Family” blog, featuring the Governor of Benue State, the Deputy Governor, and other government officials discussing the issue of insecurity within our state.
We intend to clarify and correct any potential misunderstandings that may have arisen from the video and to reaffirm the Benue State Government’s unwavering commitment to the welfare and security of all its citizens.
Let us reiterate that during the Deputy Governor’s visit to the Okpomaju community in Otukpo Local Government Area, following the tragic loss of lives resulting from attacks by gunmen in conflict with local community hunters, he left no one in doubt regarding the Benue State Government’s tireless efforts to combat insecurity. The Deputy Governor specifically addressed the sanctity of human life, unequivocally stating that any act of violence against our citizens is unacceptable. The presence and prompt response of the Benue State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) officials and security agents further demonstrated the government’s commitment to preventing a humanitarian crisis and providing immediate support.
I make bold to say that since the assumption of office, the current government has remained firmly committed to its constitutional mandate of protecting life and property. It is important to emphasise that, under the Alia administration, Benue State has experienced relative peace, and there has been a noticeable de-escalation in the incidents of killings in the state.
Furthermore, significant progress has been made in facilitating the return of internally displaced persons (IDPs) to their ancestral homes. These positive developments are a testament to the effectiveness of the security strategies employed by the state government and the dedication of the security agencies.
While acknowledging the overall improvement in the security situation, we also recognise that skirmishes and isolated incidents continue to occur in some areas, including Kwande, Otukpo, Agatu, Ukum, Logo, and Katsina-Ala local government areas among others. However, there is absolutely no contradiction between the statements made by the Governor and the Deputy Governor in the said video. Both the Governor and his deputy are in agreement that while progress has been made in securing the state, vigilance and continued efforts are essential to address the remaining challenges and ensure lasting peace in our communities. The key message conveyed is that the administration is taking steps to ensure the relative peace is maintained and that normalcy returns to areas that still experience skirmishes.
We wish to advise against any attempts to create discord or disaffection within the ranks of government. The Governor and the Deputy Governor, along with all other government functionaries, are united in their single-minded focus on the protection of lives and property and on improving the overall well-being of the people of Benue State.
I wish to reiterate the Alia administration’s commitment to working in partnership with all stakeholders, including community leaders, security agencies, and the general public, to achieve these vital objectives. I strongly urge the public to rely on credible sources of information and to avoid the misinterpretation and distortion of facts that could undermine our collective efforts to build a safer and more prosperous Benue.
It is unfortunate that spin actors attempt to deploy media images and content to create a picture of discord among state actors in Benue, and such efforts should be discountenanced.
The Governor of Benue State, who is the head of government and Chairman of the State Security Council, presides over all security meetings and has continued to take fundamental steps, like the establishment of the Bureau for Homeland Security and provision of logistical support such as vehicles and other equipment to the police and the units of the armed forces operating in the state.
Benue State Government is determined to sustain all efforts at curbing insecurity and protecting the lives and properties of citizens and all who reside within the state.
Ior Ikyereve
Deputy Chief Press Secretary,
Office of the Deputy Governor