The Nasarawa State Government has in strong terms denied allegations that it is harbouring bandits who are attacking communities in Benue State.
The denial came in response to claims made by Hon Mark Gbilah, a former member of the House of Representatives from Benue State, who alleged that the State was harbouring attackers.
A statement by Hon Peter Ahemba, Senior Special Assistant to Governor Abdullahi Sule on Public Affairs on Thursday said the allegations were “malicious” and “have no iota of truth.
Ahemba stated that the State Government under the leadership of Governor Sule has been working closely with neighbouring states, including Benue, to enhance peace and address common security challenges.
“We wish to reiterate that the Nasarawa State Government remains committed to maintaining peace and security within our borders and sustaining effective collaboration with neighboring states to address common challenges,” Ahemba said.
The SSA pointed out that Governor Sule has demonstrated solidarity with the Government and people of Benue State over the unfortunate killings and has been leading collaborative efforts with security agencies and other stakeholders to address the security challenges in the region.
He said :”The allegations by Hon Gbilah are a malicious attempt to tarnish the image of the State and disrupt the inter-state relationship between Nasarawa and Benue States.
“We call on members of the public to disregard the false narratives from the former lawmaker and instead, focus on promoting unity and cooperation among communities.
“The Nasarawa State Government has reiterated its commitment to working with neighbouring states to address common security challenges and maintain peace in the region.
“The government has also expressed condolences to the Government and people of Benue State and other neighbouring states over the unfortunate attacks and killings of innocent citizens.
“We advise Hon. Gbilah to see himself as a stakeholder in the peace and security project and desist from fanning the embers of discord capable of igniting tensions between the two States”.
Gbilah recently alleged on a national TV programme that attackers from Benue State were using Nasarawa State as a safe haven, retreating there after launching attacks and killing innocent people in Benue.
He said: “I can tell you now that in Lokoja, a border town between my village and Nasarawa Local Government Area, is where these people come in from across.
“Is my Governor engaging with his counterpart in Nasarawa State? Why don’t we hear about attacks in Nasarawa State? This is because the herders who come and kill our people are comfortable there, where they are given solace.
“Why we believe that is that even in Nasarawa State, there has been an allegation, and the case is even in court by my people in Nasarawa that their lands are being taken by the government.Meanwhile, these herdsmen are occupying lands in that place from where they are coming to attack our people.
” We want to make it clear that we are the leaders of our people, and we have been asking them to exercise restraint. Nigeria should not forget that we are still the land of warriors, the people who stopped the jihadists from entering other parts of the country.”
