Authorities in Nasarawa State have rejected recent claims that they are harbouring armed groups involved in attacks on Benue communities, branding the allegations as “deliberately misleading” and “damaging to regional harmony.”
The accusations came from former federal legislator Mark Gbilah, who alleged on national television that Nasarawa was sheltering individuals responsible for recent violence in neighbouring Benue State.
Responding to the remarks, Governor Abdullahi Sule’s Special Assistant on Public Affairs, Comrade Peter Ahemba, issued a strong rebuttal on Wednesday. He emphasised that Governor Sule has worked tirelessly to enhance regional peace through collaboration with neighbouring states.
“Such accusations are both reckless and harmful,” said Ahemba. “Governor Sule has not only shown solidarity with the people of Benue during recent crises but has also taken concrete steps to forge collective solutions to insecurity.”
He pointed to the governor’s recent hosting of the North-Central Governors Forum meeting, attended by all governors in the region, including Benue’s Governor Hyacinth Alia, as proof of Nasarawa’s commitment to regional security.
Ahemba warned that inflammatory statements such as Gbilah’s could jeopardise inter-state relations and escalate tensions among communities already affected by violence.
He urged the public to disregard the allegations and instead support efforts to build peace and understanding between neighbouring states.
“As a former federal lawmaker, Mr Gbilah should be playing a unifying role rather than stirring division,” Ahemba added.
Nasarawa State reiterated its commitment to peaceful coexistence, regional security, and open collaboration with all neighbouring states to address common challenges.