The Pathfinder Arewa Project has lauded Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, for his recent intervention in supporting families of security operatives who lost their lives in the battle against banditry. Each bereaved family is to receive ₦5 million in financial assistance.
The governor’s gesture extends across several security formations, including the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Nigerian Army, the Benue State Civil Protection Guards, and the Operation Zenda joint task force.
In a statement signed by its chairman, Abdulhamid Abdullahi Jakadan, the group described the move as a rare display of empathy and responsible leadership. Jakadan noted that Governor Alia has shown consistent concern for victims of violence as well as internally displaced persons across the state.
The statement also recalled the governor’s earlier efforts, such as the four-day security summit organised in April in partnership with the Nigerian Bar Association, and the establishment of a state-wide security outfit in 2024 that engaged 10,000 youths to strengthen local and federal security operations.
Beyond security, the Pathfinder Arewa Project highlighted progress in other sectors. It listed infrastructure renewal efforts, including the rehabilitation of 394 kilometres of roads, township upgrades in Makurdi, and the ongoing ₦5 billion “Light Up Makurdi” solar-powered street lighting project.
The group equally praised strides in education and human capital development, citing the payment of examination fees for students, the recruitment of teachers, bursary support, and ICT training for more than 10,000 youths in partnership with global tech companies.
Other initiatives, such as subsidised fertiliser distribution, provision of mechanised farming tools, and economic empowerment schemes, were also acknowledged as part of the administration’s broader development plan.
Calling on residents to remain law-abiding, the group stressed that Governor Alia’s inclusive leadership style was gradually steering Benue towards peace, stability, and shared prosperity.
