Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has called for restraint and peaceful dialogue following violent protests that led to the torching of a traditional ruler’s palace and a local government secretariat in the state. Naija247news gathered that the protests, which erupted on Monday, were sparked by allegations of misconduct and poor governance at the local level.
According to Naija247news, the protesters, mostly youths, targeted the palace of a prominent traditional ruler and the secretariat of a local government area, setting both buildings ablaze. The violence disrupted activities in the area, with residents fleeing to safety as the situation escalated.
Naija247news understands that Governor Alia, in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, condemned the destruction of public and private property. He urged the youths to embrace peace and explore lawful means of addressing their grievances. “Violence is not the solution to any problem. I appeal to our youths to remain calm and allow the government to address their concerns,” the governor stated.
According to Naija247news, the governor has ordered an immediate investigation into the incident to identify the root cause of the protests and bring those responsible for the violence to justice. He also assured residents of the government’s commitment to addressing their concerns and improving governance at all levels.
Naija247news reports that the state police command has deployed officers to the affected area to restore order and prevent further violence. The police have also appealed to residents to remain law-abiding and avoid actions that could escalate tensions.
According to Naija247news, stakeholders in the state have expressed concern over the incident, describing it as a reflection of the growing frustration among youths over unemployment, poverty, and poor governance. “This is a wake-up call for the government to prioritize youth empowerment and address the challenges facing our communities,” said a community leader who spoke to Naija247news.
Naija247news gathered that the traditional ruler whose palace was attacked has called for calm and urged his subjects to seek peaceful resolutions to their grievances. He also pledged to work with the government to address the issues raised by the protesters.
As the situation in Benue remains tense, Naija247news will continue to monitor developments and provide updates on efforts to restore peace and address the underlying causes of the protests. Governor Alia’s call for restraint underscores the importance of dialogue and collaboration in resolving conflicts and promoting development in the state.
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Reporting by Agnes Ekebuike Editor, Naija247news in Lagos, Nigeria.
