The Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has called for community participation in the fight against insecurity and illegal mining including activities capable of exposing communities to criminality and violence.

This was disclosed by the spokesman for the governor, Tersoo Kula, who made the call on Monday while speaking in a town hall in Adikpo, Kwande local government area of the state.

He urged traditional rulers to take a more active role in guiding young people and confronting youth vices that could undermine peace, social cohesion and the cultural values of their communities.

He noted, “The traditional institutions as critical partners in the state’s security architecture, noting that royal fathers are strategically positioned to identify emerging threats, provide useful intelligence and help prevent criminal activities before they escalated. “

Mr Alia condemned the sale of ancestral lands for illegal mining in Kwande, particularly gold and other solid minerals.

He warned that unregulated mining was damaging the environment and creating conditions that could fuel criminality and worsen insecurity in that location.

Mr Alia said illegal mining contributed to security challenges in parts of Kwande, stressing that those involved in the practice were acting against the interests of the state. 

He urged community leaders and residents to protect their ancestral lands and reject activities capable of compromising their collective security.

Mr Alia appreciated President Bola Tinubu for approving the establishment of the 5th Division of the Nigerian Army, adding  the development would strengthen military operations and improve security coverage across Benue State.

He further linked the fight against insecurity to economic development, assuring that the people that his administration would continue to implement programmes.