Alia: Benue Will Not Cede Land to Herders

Hyacinth Alia, the Governor of Benue State, firmly stated that his administration will not surrender any part of the state's land to pastoralists for ranching or any other purpose. This declaration was made during a town hall meeting with stakeholders from the Sankera bloc, which includes Katsina-Ala, Ukum, and Logo Local Government Areas.

Alia's comments were prompted by the Federal Government's pilot ranching policy, which has raised concerns about land use in the state. He asserted that any land allocation would require the approval of both the state government and the people.

Additionally, Alia announced new security measures, including the deployment of three military operational units to strategic locations in the Sankera area and the provision 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 provide water and support electricity generation.

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