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Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, has committed to constructing the Nyihhemba-Anwase-Abande road as part of urgent measures to improve mobility, facilitate security patrols, and enable faster response to incidents in the troubled Kwande Local Government Area.
The governor made the announcement during a visit to affected communities in Turan, Kwande LGA, on Tuesday, February 10, 2025. The tour came in the wake of recent unprovoked attacks on Anwase and Abande communities, which have left residents grieving and displaced.
In addition to the road project, Governor Alia promised to revive electricity supply at Anwase by providing an electrical transformer, ensure the provision of potable water at both Nyihhemba and Anwase, and deploy additional motorbikes to security operatives to strengthen surveillance and ground-level operations in the area.
He further assured that he would liaise with network providers to install a signal booster in the region, improving communication especially during emergencies when rapid coordination is critical.
Condemning the attacks in strong terms, the governor reiterated his administration’s readiness to deepen collaboration with security agencies. He pledged enhanced logistical support to personnel actively engaged in restoring peace in the affected zones.
Governor Alia also conveyed reassurance to the people that help is on the way, disclosing that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been fully briefed on the security situation in the area and has already directed additional reinforcements to bolster ongoing efforts.
During the visit, the governor first stopped at Nyihhemba, where he held discussions with traditional rulers of Kwande LGA, led by HRH Ambrose Pine Iortyer, the Tor Kwande. He then proceeded to Tomataan and Anwase to interact directly with residents—many of whom are survivors or directly impacted by the violence—offering words of solidarity and outlining immediate interventions.
At Jato-Aka in Turan, he addressed another gathering and repeated his commitment to restoring power through the provision of a transformer, alongside the other promised measures.
The governor emphasized that the lives, dignity, and safety of the people remain his topmost priority, assuring them they are not alone in facing these challenges.
The pledges form part of a broader response strategy by the Benue State Government amid persistent insecurity in parts of the state, particularly in rural farming communities vulnerable to recurring clashes. While residents have welcomed the announced projects and support, many continue to stress the need for swift implementation and sustained security presence to prevent further loss of life and property.
The visit and commitments were communicated via an official statement from Sir Tersoo Kula, mnipr, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Benue State.
