Alia Vows to Protect Benue Land from Pastoralists

Governor Alia of Benue State declared that his administration will not allow any part of Benue land to be ceded to pastoralists for ranching or any other purpose without the consent of the local populace. This statement was made during a town hall meeting with stakeholders from the Sankera bloc, which includes Katsina-Ala, Ukum, and Logo local government areas.

Alia emphasized that no one would force the state to cede land, asserting that such actions would not occur while he remains in office. His remarks come amid ongoing debates regarding the state's open-grazing ban and the Federal Government's pilot ranching policy.

Additionally, Alia announced the deployment of three military operational units to strategic locations in Sankera to enhance security, along with the donation of 30 motorcycles to security agencies for improved patrols. He also revealed plans for a new dam with a projected capacity of 460 megawatts to support water supply and electricity generation in the state.

Alia is currently on a thank-you tour of APC stakeholders following his selection as the party's candidate for the 2027 governorship election.