By Suleiman Abubakar Rimi Uku Lafia
The Nasarawa State Government has strongly denied recent allegations made by Hon. Mark Gbilah, a former member of the House of Representatives from Benue State, accusing the state of harbouring bandits responsible for attacks on Benue communities.
Hon. Gbilah, while speaking on a recent programme aired by African Independent Television (AIT), claimed that criminals responsible for the unrest in Benue were being sheltered in Nasarawa State, an allegation the state government has described as “false, malicious, and deeply misleading.”
In a statement issued by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Public Affairs, Hon. Peter Ahemba, anipr, the state government said the claims were not only unsubstantiated but also an attempt to create unnecessary tension between the two neighbouring states.
“Ordinarily, we would not dignify such baseless accusations with a response. However, for the sake of unsuspecting members of the public who may be misled, it has become necessary to clear the air,” Ahemba said.
He reaffirmed that Governor Abdullahi A. Sule, who also chairs the North-Central Governors Forum, has consistently prioritized collaboration with neighbouring states, especially Benue, to combat shared security threats.
According to the statement, Governor Sule has demonstrated solidarity with Benue State by actively participating in regional security meetings and convening the North-Central Governors Forum to develop actionable solutions to growing insecurity.
“How can a state that has shown unwavering support to Benue in its moment of crisis and worked tirelessly with other stakeholders to ensure regional peace, suddenly be accused of harbouring the same elements it is fighting against?” the statement queried.
The government further described Hon. Gbilah’s remarks as a “calculated attempt to tarnish the image of Nasarawa State” and advised him to act as a true stakeholder in the peace and security of the region rather than sowing seeds of discord.
“We urge members of the public to disregard these baseless claims. Now more than ever, we must focus on promoting unity and inter-state cooperation to defeat the forces threatening our collective peace,” the statement concluded.
The Nasarawa State Government also extended heartfelt condolences to the government and people of Benue State and other affected neighbouring communities, reaffirming its commitment to maintaining peace and strengthening inter-state collaboration to address security challenges.
