Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has accused certain politicians in Abuja of being responsible for the armed banditry and killings in the Sankera region, which includes Katsina-Ala, Ukum, and Logo Local Government Areas (LGAs). Speaking after a thanksgiving service at the Chapel of Grace, Government House Makurdi, the Governor lamented that the bandits are local individuals who have taken up arms against their own communities.

In response to recent attacks in Sankera, which resulted in six deaths in Ukum LGA and sparked a violent protest, followed by the murder of 18 people in Katsina-Ala LGA, Governor Alia pointed to a viral video of bandits threatening further violence. He described the security situation in Sankera as multifaceted, involving various forms of instability in Ukum LGA.

During his campaign, Governor Alia urged those causing instability in the state to lay down their arms and promised to help them reintegrate into society. Despite efforts to offer education and vocational training to bandits willing to surrender, the violence continues, with internal conflicts among the bandits themselves.

Governor Alia expressed deep concern over the involvement of Abuja politicians in supporting the local bandits. Following the Ukum protest, he established a Judicial Panel of Inquiry to investigate the situation thoroughly. The Governor emphasized that the state government is committed to securing the affected areas and restoring peace.