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Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, has vowed to eradicate illegal mining within the state, issuing a stern warning during a Thanksgiving Service at NKST Church Adikpo on Sunday, September 14, 2025. The service honored his appointees in the local government, attended by traditional rulers, political leaders, and community members.
Governor Alia cautioned traditional rulers against permitting mining activities in their domains without government approval, emphasizing that offenders will face prosecution. He stressed the need to protect the state’s resources and maintain order, urging collaboration to combat illegal practices.
The Governor also outlined his administration’s commitment to infrastructural development in Kwande, announcing plans to construct additional roads to ease the movement of people and agricultural produce. Earlier, he expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support and love for Benue, emphasizing that politics should center on development and the welfare of the people. He hinted at upgrading the Adikpo campus of Father Adasu University into a standalone higher institution and commended his appointees for returning to God in thanksgiving.
During the service, Pastor John Tyongu admonished Christians to remain humble, urging political appointees to extend their blessings to villagers. The Resident Pastor of NKST Adikpo, Elijah Orwam, appreciated the Governor, the Tor Tiv, and other dignitaries for their presence. The Tor Tiv, HRM Prof. James Ortese Iorzua Ayatse, called for intensified state-federal collaboration on road projects like the Gboko-Ugbema-Jato-Aka-Cameroon border and Adikpo-Koti-Iyogen roads, while warning against rising political tension in Tiv land. He advised leaders to support Governor Alia, whom he believes God has chosen to lead, and urged the Governor to remain focused on development.
The APC leader in Kwande, Hon. Prince Moses Terngu, described Governor Alia as a true man of God with the people’s interest at heart, while the Attorney General, Prof. Timothy Ombugu, pledged loyalty and support from appointees. The service concluded with a special prayer session for the Governor, his team, and Benue’s people.
Photo Credit: Lanshima Ephraim
