Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has commenced a statewide Thank-You Tour of the state’s 11 Federal Constituencies, beginning with Sankera and proceeding to Kwande/Ushongo, with new security and development initiatives announced and calls for continued support for his administration.
The tour, which started on Monday 24th August 2026 in Katsina-Ala, Ukum and Logo Federal Constituencies, is aimed at appreciating the people for their support and strengthening the partnership between the government, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the people of Benue.
In Sankera, Governor Alia announced the establishment of new Nigerian Army units at Agu in Katsina-Ala, Anyiin in Logo and Azendeshi in Ukum, as part of efforts to strengthen security and combat attacks in the area. He also donated 30 motorcycles to the Army to enhance patrols and security operations.
He announced plans for the construction of a new dam with a projected capacity of 460 megawatts, saying it would provide water and support electricity generation, while also assuring the people that no ranch would be established in Benue without the consent of the people and his administration.
The Governor further announced an upward review of the welfare package for traditional rulers across the state, effective from September 2026.
Continuing the tour in Kwande/Ushongo, Governor Alia, at a town hall meeting in Adikpo, urged traditional rulers to take decisive action against youth vices, stressing their responsibility as custodians of culture to preserve cherished values and guide the younger generation.
He also condemned the sale of lands for illegal mining of gold and other solid minerals, describing those involved as enemies of Benue and blaming the activities for fueling insecurity in parts of Kwande.
Governor Alia commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the establishment of the 5th Division of the Nigerian Army to strengthen security operations in Benue and announced that Army units would be located at Adikpo and Anwase.
He promised more people-oriented projects to alleviate hardship and disclosed plans to invite those who contested against him to a roundtable discussion aimed at promoting reconciliation and peaceful coexistence.
At the Kwande/Ushongo town hall, leaders and stakeholders unanimously endorsed Governor Alia for a second term, citing appointments of indigines, local government autonomy and ongoing development projects as reasons for their support.
Former Governor of Benue State, Senator Gabriel Suswam, commended the people of Kwande for supporting the Governor and urged them to remain patient, saying it was not yet the turn of Kwande to produce the state governor.
Across both constituencies, politicians, traditional rulers and religious leaders expressed support for the Alia administration and its re-election bid, as the Thank-You Tour combines grassroots engagement with the unveiling of security, infrastructure and welfare initiatives.
The tour is expected to continue across the remaining federal constituencies in the coming days.
