By John Moses
The Government of Nasarawa State has firmly denied allegations that it is providing refuge to assailants responsible for violent attacks on communities in neighbouring Benue State. The claims, made by a former federal lawmaker from Benue, Mark Gbilah, were described as baseless and inflammatory.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by Comrade Peter Ahemba, Special Assistant on Public Affairs to Governor Abdullahi Sule, the state government condemned what it called “malicious and unsubstantiated accusations” aired on national television by the former MP.
“The Government of Nasarawa State, under Governor Sule’s leadership, has consistently prioritised inter-state cooperation, particularly with Benue, to confront shared security challenges,” the statement read.
Governor Sule, who also chairs the North-Central Governors Forum, has been actively involved in efforts to address insecurity across the region. According to Ahemba, Sule recently convened a regional meeting that included Benue’s Governor, Hyacinth Alia, to develop joint security strategies.
“How can a government so deeply engaged in regional peace-building be accused of harbouring attackers?” Ahemba asked. “These claims are a deliberate attempt to tarnish the reputation of Nasarawa State and destabilise long-standing relations between our states.”
He urged former lawmakers like Gbilah to contribute to peace and development rather than inflaming tensions with unverified claims.
The statement concluded with a call for the public to disregard what it termed a “false narrative” and instead focus on fostering unity, security, and regional cooperation.
