Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, has declared that his administration will not tolerate any form of illegal mining within the state. The Governor issued the warning on Sunday, September 14, 2025, while speaking at NKST Church, Adikpo, Kwande Local Government Area during a Thanksgiving Service organized in honour of his appointees in the local government.
Governor Alia cautioned traditional rulers against permitting mining activities in their domains without government approval, emphasizing that offenders would face prosecution. He 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.
Expressing gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support and love for the people of Benue, Governor Alia stressed that politics should be centered on development and the welfare of citizens. He also hinted at the possibility of upgrading the Adikpo campus of the Father Adasu University, currently under construction, into a standalone higher institution, and commended his appointees for returning to God in Thanksgiving.
On insecurity, Governor Alia promised continued collaboration with the Federal Government and local authorities to flush out armed herders in the state. He warned that anyone found conniving with armed herdsmen to harm people or destroy property would be treated as an enemy. The Governor also thanked the Chairman of Kwande Local Government and ALGON Chairman, Hon. Vitalis Neji, for their commitment to combating insecurity in the area.
Later at the Adikpo Township Stadium, Governor Alia charged his appointees to remain accessible to their constituents and urged the public to actively participate in the ongoing voter registration exercise.
In a goodwill message, the Tor Tiv, HRM, Prof. James Ortese Iorzua Ayatse, called on the state government to intensify collaboration with the Federal Government for the construction and rehabilitation of the Gboko–Ugbema–Jato-Aka–Cameroon border road and appealed for the construction of the Adikpo–Koti–Iyon–Ikyogen road. He also warned against rising political tension in Tiv land and urged political leaders to support Governor Alia, whom he described as divinely chosen to lead the state, while encouraging the Governor to remain focused on delivering development.
Earlier in the service, Pastor John Tyongu admonished Christians to remain humble, urging political appointees to extend the blessings received from the Governor to the people in the villages. The Resident Pastor of NKST Adikpo, Elijah Orwam, appreciated the Governor, the Tor Tiv, and other dignitaries for their presence.
The APC leader in Kwande, Hon. Prince Moses Ternenge, described Governor Alia as a true man of God with the interest of the people at heart and called on the people of Kwande to continue rallying behind him. Similarly, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Prof. Timothy Ornguga, speaking on behalf of the appointees, pledged their loyalty and full support to Governor Alia’s administration.
The highlight of the Thanksgiving service was a special prayer session for the Governor, his appointees, and the people of Benue State.
Photo Credit: Lanshima Ephraim
Reported by: Stone Reporters News
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