From Scholastica Hir Makurdi
Benue state Governor Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia has threatened that he would not hesitate to demolish any structure, be it a hotel or private residence, harbouring criminals in the state.
Alia gave the warning in Makurdi on Friday while speaking to newsmen in Makurdi.
Alia who just returned from the United States of America, (USA), said intelligence reports available to him is that both kidnappers and Yahoo boys have invaded the state and are being harboured in some hotel in the state.
He said “I am going to personally meet with hotels owners to tell them to desist from accommodating Yahoo boys and kidnappers. The security reports available to me indicated that these things are happening. If we find any kidnappers in any building or hotel, we will destroy such building.”
The Governor said for business investments to thrive in Benue, a lot of things need to put in place to make the state liveable.
While appreciating the Benue youths for their support, the Governor said “I don’t want to hear anything cultism in Benue. If cultism is your religion practice it silently, don’t disturb anyone with it. But I want to make it clear that cultism has no place in this state. 419, Yahoo Yahoo and kidnapping has no room here.
“By some report I have heard some hotels are shielding some persons who come into the state without clear cut roles.
“If you know anyone involved in kidnapping, let me know. We are going to establish a phone center to enable you call for prompt action.
“If we discover any kidnapper or armed robber in any hotel or house, we are going to pull it down.
“We want to do good business in Benue and for people to come, we would not accommodate criminals in the state,” he said.
He appealed to those at the home front, especially the Benue youths, to do our best in supporting efforts of government to fish out the criminals. “Each person is a security personnel and it must go beyond seeing something and saying something
“Don’t let anybody buy you off to sell your people, don’t let anyone cow you to sell off your land.
“Cooperate with the security apparatuses to give us their best.The uniform people are here with us and for us. If someone wants to use you to steal cows or to cause mischief, tell them to bring back their children to take part or to be at the front.
“If we get to know of such in any community the person will face the music. Our people cannot settle for less
“I’m a man of peace and I’m am poised to bringing peace in the State
“I don’t want to stop at paying salaries or paying arrears, we have gone ahead to start employment. The youths of the state have suffered in the past and we won’t want anyone to pocket them.
“The youths here are concerned about what happens in the state and I want everyone to respect them. They are the backbone of our APC in the state and the party has come to stay in the state.”
Governor Alia further urged his predecessors to refrain from interfering in his administration, maintaining that they have had his own term.
He said he would not allow anyone to destabilize his administration.
He said, “I can’t allow anyone whether a former governor or Civil Servant . If you are a former governor and you have nothing to contribute to Benue, shut up. You had your term you went through it, allow the administration to work.
“You did your part and if you are in the state know exactly what you are saying. Criticisms are welcomed but verify your facts. We will not allow anyone to stay by the side to destabilize this government. If you say anything that is false, we will take it up with you,” Alia warned.