Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, has dismissed claims that the state is involved in the ongoing killings in neighbouring Benue State, describing the allegations as false and malicious.
In a statement released on Wednesday in Lafia, and signed by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs, Peter Ahemba, the governor refuted comments made by Hon. Mark Gbillah, the immediate past member of the House of Representatives from Benue State. Gbillah had alleged during a recent African Independent Television (AIT) programme that Nasarawa State was harbouring bandits responsible for attacks on Benue farmers.
Reacting to the allegation, the Nasarawa State Government stated that the claims were not only baseless but also an attempt to damage the state’s reputation and destabilize its relationship with Benue.
“It is on record that the Nasarawa State Government under the leadership of His Excellency, Engr. Abdullahi A. Sule has remained consistent in building synergy with neighbouring states, particularly Benue, to enhance peace and address common security challenges confronting the states and beyond,” the statement read.
It further noted that as Chairman of the North-Central Governors Forum, Governor Sule has shown solidarity with the government and people of Benue State in the wake of recent attacks and has played a leading role in collaborative security efforts.
“The allegations by Hon. Gbillah are therefore a malicious attempt to tarnish the image of the state and disrupt the inter-state relationship between Nasarawa and Benue States,” it added.
The statement urged Gbillah, as a former lawmaker, to act as a stakeholder in promoting peace rather than stoking tension between the two neighbouring states.
Governor Sule called on the public to disregard what he described as false narratives and instead support ongoing efforts aimed at fostering unity and regional cooperation. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to maintaining peace and strengthening collaboration with neighbouring states to address shared security challenges.
