Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia has restated his administration’s commitment to restoring lasting peace in Sankera, a region that has faced repeated security challenges in recent years.

He gave the assurance during a stopover at the Ukum Local Government Secretariat while travelling to Wukari in Taraba State for a peace meeting.

Gov Alia said his government is collaborating with the Federal Government to strengthen security operations in Sankera and other troubled parts of the state.

He disclosed plans to establish a tactical operations base of the Nigerian Army in the area to enable rapid response and intelligence-led operations against terrorism, kidnapping and banditry.

The governor also appealed to those involved in criminal activities to surrender and embrace peace, while urging security agencies to intensify patrols in areas with high crime rates.

Gov Alia acknowledged the Tor Sankera and the Ter Ukum for expressing regret over the circumstances surrounding his earlier visit to Ukum following the April 2025 coordinated attacks on Ukum and Logo Local Government Areas.

He described the gesture as a sign of unity and urged residents to support ongoing peace efforts.

He assured residents that work would soon begin on previously approved road projects in the area.

He also promised immediate reconstruction of the Ukum Local Government Secretariat, which was destroyed by fire.

During the visit, he commissioned a temporary office complex constructed by the Chairman of Ukum LGA, Hon. Jonathan Modi.

In a remark, former Benue State Governor, Gabriel Suswam, commended Alia’s approach to tackling insecurity and called for continued support for the administration.

He also noted the appointment of a Vice Chancellor from Sankera to Father Adasu University Makurdi, describing it as significant for the area.

Hon. Prince Solomon Wombo, who represents Katsina-Ala/Ukum/Logo Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, appreciated the governor’s visit and urged residents to remain united.

Other stakeholders, including the Chairman of Ukum LGA, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, and traditional rulers in the area, pledged their support for the state government’s efforts to restore peace and stability in Sankera.