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Amid a week that has seen Benue State battered by brutal murder, armed robbery and a fatal road crash, Governor Hyacinth Alia on Sunday took a moment of celebration to send a strong message of hope, faith and renewed determination to restore peace across the state.
The governor spoke at St. Winifred’s Parish, Ihugh, Vandeikya Local Government Area, during a well-attended Thanksgiving Mass in honour of Rev. Fr. Tor Godwin Iorwuese, who was ordained a priest on 5 November 2025.
In his remarks, Rev. Fr. Alia urged citizens to continually respect and support priests and other constituted authorities, describing those who dedicate their lives to serving humanity as deserving of total cooperation. He said such support remains key to development and stability.
Turning to the security situation, the governor assured the congregation that his administration is more committed than ever to tackling insecurity head-on in order to restore lasting peace. “Prayer is the strongest force for national progress,” he said, while thanking the people for their continuous prayers for Benue and Nigeria.
The Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Samuel Msugh Kete, expressed profound gratitude to Governor Alia for personally attending the ceremony and prayed for divine protection and wisdom for the governor to complete his tenure successfully. He also praised the administration’s establishment of an orange processing factory in the area, expressing confidence that it will finally end decades of post-harvest losses suffered by local farmers.
The newly ordained Rev. Fr. Tor Godwin, visibly moved by the governor’s presence, thanked him, the clergy and the entire congregation for the honour and prayed for blessings upon all.
The colourful event drew hundreds of worshippers from within and outside the community who came to rejoice with the new priest.
As Benue mourns its latest tragedies and battles rising crime, many citizens say the governor’s presence at Ihugh and his promise of a renewed fight against insecurity offered a ray of hope that the dark clouds currently over the state may yet lift.
