From Henry Ibya, Makurdi
Benue State governor, Reverend Father Hyacinth Alia has lamented that despite concerted efforts by his administration to bring lasting peace to the state, some communities are still under siege.
The governor, who made the disclosure at a thanksgiving mass in honour of the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Executive Secretary, Benue State Emergency Management Agency, BSEMA, Dr James Iorpuu, at St Margaret Catholic Church, ChiChii-Gbatse in Vandeikya Local Government Area, informed the people that his administration is not sleeping over issues of insecurity and assured that government would continue to explore every available means to ensure that absolute peace returns to every part of the state.
He emphasised the need for all stakeholders, particularly traditional rulers, youths and community leaders to assist government with useful information to help it respond to challenges of insecurity in the state.
He also emphasised the need for all to contribute to the security of the state, as nobody would come from outside to help fix it.
Governor Alia, who described Dr Iorpuu as an honest and transparent individual, expressed appreciation to God for his life, adding that his contributions made his emergence as governor possible.
Also speaking, the Tor Tiv, Professor James Ayatse expressed worry over renewed killings in the state and appealed to the governor to rise up to the challenge by putting more efforts to protect lives and property of Benue people.
In a sermon, the Bishop of Katsina-ala Diocese, Most Reverend Isaac Dugu enjoined Christians to derive lessons from one of the lepers who returned to God for appreciation after receiving healing, and therefore always remember to return to God after receiving his mercy.
