Nasarawa govt refutes allegation of sheltering Benue attackers

The Nasarawa State Government has dismissed claims that it is sheltering attackers responsible for violence in Benue communities, calling the allegation false and malicious.

In a statement issued on Wednesday in Lafia by Comrade Peter Ahemba, Special Assistant on Public Affairs to Governor Abdullahi Sule, the government responded to remarks made by former Benue lawmaker, Mark Gbilah, who accused Nasarawa of harbouring bandits targeting Benue State.

Ahemba described Gbilah’s comments, made during a national television appearance, as baseless and aimed at damaging Nasarawa’s image and its relationship with Benue.

He stressed that Governor Sule’s administration has consistently fostered cooperation with neighbouring states, especially Benue, in the pursuit of peace and security across the region.

As Chairman of the North-Central Governors Forum, Sule has also led several collaborative initiatives to address the insecurity affecting the region.

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“With the governor’s demonstrated solidarity with Benue and his tireless work alongside security agencies, it is unreasonable to suggest that Nasarawa would harbour criminals targeting neighbouring communities,” Ahemba said.

He further described Gbilah’s allegation as a deliberate attempt to sow discord and urged the former federal lawmaker to act as a peace advocate rather than incite inter-state tensions.

Ahemba called on the public to disregard the claims, reaffirming Nasarawa’s commitment to peace, unity, and regional cooperation.

He also noted that Governor Sule had recently convened a meeting of the North-Central Governors Forum — which included Benue State Governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia — to discuss rising security concerns and strengthen joint responses to shared challenges.