Benue: SRF Passes Vote of Confidence in Gov Alia, Others, Calls for Collective Action to End Insecurity

From Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi

The Shitile Rebirth Forum (SRF), Katsina-Ala, has passed a vote of confidence in Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, applauding his visionary leadership and notable developmental achievements across the state.
The vote of confidence was passed by the leadership of the Forum during a press conference held in Makurdi over the weekend.

Speaking at the briefing, the Forum’s leader, Barrister Manasseh Agboh, commended Governor Alia for his interventions in education, healthcare, infrastructure, and security, particularly in Shitile Nation, Katsina-Ala Local Government Area, and Benue State in general.
Agboh listed key achievements of the administration to include the upgrade of Shitile Community Secondary School into a full-fledged Science and Technical College, the renovation of primary schools in Abaji and Tor-Donga, and the payment of examination fees for students.
He also acknowledged the revival of the Benue Links Nigeria Limited terminal in Katsina-Ala, the reduction in transport fares, and the construction of critical roads such as the Tor-Donga–Tacha Road. According to him, the governor has equally made commendable efforts to improve emergency healthcare services, strengthen grassroots healthcare delivery, enhance security, and promote peace in the area.
Consequently, the Forum passed a vote of confidence on Governor Alia, Prince Solomon Wombo, the member representing Katsina-Ala/Ukum/Logo Federal Constituency; the Chairman of Katsina-Ala Local Government Area, Shaku Justine; and the General Manager of Benue Links Nigeria Limited, Comrade Alexander Fanafa, among others, for their commitment to purposeful leadership and the development of the state.
While appreciating these efforts, the Forum expressed concern over the prevailing security challenges in the area and appealed to the government to construct the Tor-Donga–Zaki-Biam Road, Gbise–Degarr Road, and Abaji Chir-Akera (Ibufu) Road. They noted that opening up these routes would enhance mobility, stimulate economic activities, improve security, and eliminate criminal hideouts.
The Forum further called for the completion of the Abaji–Mbamtsar Road to ease access to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Annex in Mbamtsar. It also requested the deployment of more health workers to Primary Healthcare Centres across Shitile land to strengthen emergency response and grassroots healthcare delivery.
SRF condemned what it described as heinous, barbaric, and criminal activities in parts of the area, warning that such acts threaten peace, development, and communal coexistence. The Forum urged the Shitile Area Traditional Council to firmly rebuke criminality and prevail on their subjects to lay down their arms.
Agboh reaffirmed the Forum’s commitment to supporting progressive leaders, policies, and administrations that prioritize security, education, youth empowerment, healthcare, infrastructure, peace, and inclusive growth.
He explained that the Shitile Rebirth Forum (SRF), Katsina-Ala, is a socio-cultural organization dedicated to restoring hope, peace, and development in Shitile Nation. According to him, the communiqué is issued to the global community, national stakeholders, and the people of Benue State as a clear statement of position, commitment, and confidence in the purposeful leadership of the Rev. Fr. Alia-led administration.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Benue State Council, Comrade Bemdoo Ugber, thanked the Forum for visiting the NUJ House and assured them of maximum publicity. He stated that, “As the umbrella body of journalists, we remain committed to providing a neutral and professional platform for democratic expression.”