By: Titus Akor, Makurdi.

Benue State governor, Rev Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia has disclosed that his three years in office has recorded steady progress in security and education, particularly commended President Ahmed Tinubu for his pragmatic leadership and support in the fight against insecurity.

Alia made the disclosure on Friday in an address to Benue people to mark three years in office as the Governor explained that his administration met decayed infrastructure, unpaid salaries, weakened institutions, and widespread insecurity in 2023, explaining that the focus of government since then had been to restore peace and rebuild public services from the foundation.

“From the very beginning, we recognized that no meaningful development could take place without peace and security,” Alia said.

He noted that the government provided logistics, operational support, and intelligence to security agencies, procured 150 Hilux vehicles, and distributed over 600 motorbikes to help personnel access difficult terrains exploited by criminal elements.

The governor further revealed that his administration also established the Civil Protection Guards and the joint task force “Anyam Nyor” to complement Operation Zenda, expressing
sincere appreciation to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering support in the fight against insecurity in Benue State.

According to Governor Alia such interventions were yielding results as many displaced persons were gradually returning to their ancestral homes and the number of people in IDP camps reducing with relative peace also returning to several parts of the state.

In education, the governor said his administration rehabilitated and constructed over 400 structures, including storey buildings, in primary schools across the state, adding that about 9,700 teachers have been recruited to strengthen learning outcomes.

He also announced the establishment of the Benue State University of Agriculture, Science and Technology, BSUAST, Ihugh in Vandeikya LGA, as a specialized centre for agriculture, science and technology solutions, disclosing that Father Moses Orshio Adasu University have been expanded with a new Faculty of Engineering and Architecture Campus in Adikpo, Kwande LGA.

The governor who said the improvements in security and education were made possible through prudent resource management and federal support, assured Benue people that his administration would not relent in delivering more dividends of democracy, deepening peace and unity, and building a Benue that future generations would be proud of and called for continued support.