From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
Benue State Governor Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia has called on the people of Benue to be resilient, deliberate, and united in the fight against insecurity in the state.
Governor Alia made the call on Saturday while speaking at this year’s Prayer Pilgrimage for Peace, held at the Cathedral Church of St. John the Baptist, Gboko Local Government Area of the state.
He said the quest for peace in the state requires a collective commitment to bridge divides, heal wounds, and build a society where every citizen can thrive.
“We have a problem on our hands, and this problem did not start from somewhere. It started from within ourselves before external forces began leveraging it to destroy us.”
He said that for the state to have lasting peace, the citizens must put aside their differences and become deliberate in fighting insecurity, stressing that he is only the leader; all the people are the government.
He re-emphasised the willingness of his administration to entrench peace in the state, adding that God has given them peace, and they must also give peace.
“For us to get peace, we have to be deliberate; we have to be direct. God has given us peace, and we must also give peace.”
Governor Alia thanked all those who have been working to bring peace in their areas, especially the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Katsina-Ala, Most Rev Isaac Dugu, for the return of peace in Sankera.
He called for the continuation of the Peace Mass to include other tribes in the state who are also affected by insecurity.
Speaking, the Tor Tiv, HRM Orchivirigh, Prof. James Ayatse, emphasised the importance of unity in the fight against insecurity, adding that, although the church in Tiv land has been praying, the people need to back it up with actions characterised by a sense of unity and commitment.
“We must be united for God to pass through that unity and defend us. Peace is not a one-man business. It has to be a collective affair,” he added, stressing that, although the Governor is the Chief Security Officer, he must not be left alone to fight insecurity in the state.
Earlier, in his homily, Rev Fr Marcilinus Wende said the quest for peace requires collective efforts, saying individuals, religions, organisations, and governments must work together to achieve peace.
The Bishops of the Catholic Dioceses of Gboko and Katsina-Ala, Most Rev William Avenya and Most Rev Isaac Dugu, respectively, as well as the representative of the Bishop of Makurdi Diocese, including top government functionaries, priests, religious, and the laity, were all present at the Mass.