The three local government areas
known as Sankera axis are flashpoints of kidnapping and killings by bandits.
The Ukum Local Government Chairman, Rev. Gideon Haanongon, and the state Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Matthew Abo, who also hails from the same council, were two prominent people kidnapped within the axis in the past three months.
Speaking on the need to end banditry in the axis, the governor said development would continue to elude the areas until peace is returned.
Alia stated this on Saturday at the Akume Atongo Stadium, Katsina-Ala while addressing mourners who gathered to pay their last respect to their late traditional ruler, Chief Abu Shuluwa.
He said the late king died fighting for the peace of his subjects, adding that his death should also mark the end of banditry in the area.
“Until peace returns in Ukum, Logo and Katsina-Ala LGs, development will continue to elude the people because nobody will want to invest in an insecure environment,” he said.
The governor appealed to those in the bush to return home, adding that he has good plans for them.
Alia also promised that at the appropriate time, the Sankera traditional council would sit and decide where the new king would come from, adding that the right thing must be done.
Also, former Governor Gabriel Suswam said the late king was a fulfilled man who was outspoken and a courageous man.
Suswam said the people of Sankera have lost a great man who never had enemies despite his several years in politics before he became king.
On the appointment of the new Tor Sankera, he said it was the constitutional responsibility of the Govemor to appoints second and first class chiefs in the state.
