The Nasarawa State government has refuted allegations that it is harbouring killer herdsmen responsible for attacks in Benue State, which have left scores dead and displaced several communities.

In a statement yesterday, the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Abdullahi Sule on Public Affairs, Mr Peter Ahemba, debunked claims made by former Benue lawmaker, Mark Gbilah, who alleged that attackers of Benue communities were being sheltered in Nasarawa State.

“The attention of the Nasarawa State Government has been drawn to misleading claims by one Mark Gbilah, former member of the House of Representatives from Benue State,” Ahemba said.

“The former lawmaker, while featuring on an African Independent Television (AIT) discussion programme recently, made several malicious statements, alleging that bandits attacking communities in Benue State were being harboured in Nasarawa State.

“Ordinarily, we wouldn’t have bothered responding to the unsubstantiated allegations as they have no iota of truth. It has, however, become necessary to clear the air and set the records straight for the sake of unsuspecting members of the public who may be misled by this false narrative.”

Ahemba emphasised that the Nasarawa State government under Governor Sule’s leadership has consistently collaborated with neighbouring states, particularly Benue, to address shared security challenges.

“Governor Abdullahi Sule has not only demonstrated the state’s solidarity with the government and people of Benue State over the unfortunate killings but has also been leading collaborative efforts with security agencies and other relevant stakeholders to address the security challenges confronting the region,” he stated.

Highlighting recent efforts, Ahemba noted, “Just recently, Abdullahi Sule, concerned by the rising wave of insecurity in the region, convened a meeting of the North-Central Governors Forum with all the Governors of the region, including the Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, in attendance.”

He described the allegations as “a malicious attempt to tarnish the image of the state and disrupt the inter-state relationship between Nasarawa and Benue states.”

“As a former National Assembly member, Gbilah is advised to see himself as a stakeholder in the peace and security project and desist from fanning the embers of discord capable of igniting tension between the two states,” Ahemba added.

He appealed to the public to disregard the claims and focus on promoting unity and cooperation.

The Nasarawa State government extended condolences to Benue and other affected states, reaffirming its commitment to maintaining peace, collaborating with neighbouring states, and addressing regional security challenges.