The Chairman of Katsina-Ala Local Government Area in Benue State, Honorable Alfred Shaku, has expressed deep concerns over the ongoing activities of criminal groups within the council, which have severely disrupted essential services and infrastructure.
Shaku reported that criminal activity has forced the closure of numerous schools, markets, and primary health clinics, paralyzing the community's access to social services.
In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Tuesday, Shaku explained that “more than 20 schools, 23 markets, and 13 primary health clinics remain closed due to persistent insecurity.”
He also noted that “eight council wards are severely affected,” adding that the area’s major livelihood source—agriculture—has been heavily impacted as local farmers face constant challenges due to the deteriorating security situation.
Shaku buttressed his administration’s commitment to rebuilding and rehabilitating the affected sectors to revitalize Katsina-Ala’s economy.
He emphasized plans to focus on health, education, roads, agriculture, and security as part of his administration’s broader development agenda, aiming to reopen schools and restore economic stability to the community.
“Our council secretariat, which has been left in a deplorable condition, also requires complete reconstruction,” Shaku added, pointing to the urgent need for comprehensive infrastructural renewal.
Reflecting on the recent Supreme Court decision that granted autonomy to local governments, Shaku expressed optimism that this ruling would facilitate his efforts to implement vital development initiatives and fulfill his campaign promises.
In a related development, the Chairman of Ukum Local Government Area, Jonathan Modi, revealed on Saturday that around 1,000 armed militias are currently occupying forests in Ukum LGA, another conflict-ridden area within Benue State’s Sankera axis, which includes Ukum, Logo, and Katsina-Ala LGAs.
Modi described Ukum as a flashpoint of criminal activity and attributed the rise of these militias to splinter factions led by two individuals, known by aliases “Full Fire” and “Chain.” These factions reportedly emerged following the killing of the notorious warlord Terwase Akwaza, also known as “Gana,” by the military in September 2020.
Both local government chairmen emphasized the urgent need for improved security to address the continuing disruptions and ensure that essential services can resume.
The security challenges in Benue State remain a pressing issue, with authorities seeking to implement structural and economic reforms to restore stability across the region.
