Benue Bandits Reject Government’s Peace Offer, Says Alia

Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, reported that local bandits terrorizing the Sankera axis have rejected rehabilitation measures. The governor made this statement on Sunday in Makurdi while reviewing bandit activities in Ukum, Katsina-Ala, and Logo LGAs, which make up the Sankera axis.

The Sankera axis has been a hotspot of criminal activity for years. The killing of their leader, Terwase Akwaza, aka Gana, by the military in 2020 worsened the situation as his former associates split into rival groups.

State Commissioner for Information, Culture, and Tourism, Matthew Abo, informed our correspondent that the bandits had refused all government attempts to hold peace meetings.

The bandits accused the state government of betrayal for not fulfilling promises of amnesty.

Speaking on the issue, Governor Alia said his administration extended an olive branch to the bandits, but they rejected it.

“During my campaign, I urged every faceless group creating instability in the state to sheathe their swords. A new government is coming to liberate them and get them out of the bush. They should stop killing their siblings, and that is what I have been trying to do.

“I offered to sponsor those who wished to go to school, to help them recreate their lives. For those inclined towards trades, I offered skills training to help them earn a living. We would fund their establishment after acquiring the skills.

“All these measures were to enable them to come out of the bushes and stop destabilizing the LGAs and killing their people.”

The governor regretted that some bandits who accepted the offer and planned to leave the bushes were killed by rival groups in power struggles.

“Unfortunately, those inclined to come out were attacked and caught in fights for superiority within the bushes,” he added.

Alia also accused some politicians of sponsoring the bandits, complicating the instability in the axis.

“For many years, there have been skirmishes and instability in the Ukum area, mostly from homegrown bandits killing their people and preventing them from farming.

“The so-called Abuja politicians are the ones sponsoring and supporting these bandits.”

The governor, however, said his administration would not relent in talking to the bandits to sheathe their swords and allow peace to reign.

“We cannot stop talking to them. I have extended numerous olive branches to them,” the governor concluded.