Benue State is grappling with a deepening security emergency as Governor Hyacinth Alia issues a stark warning: the state is no longer dealing with isolated farmer-herder clashes but is now under coordinated attacks from terrorists and armed bandits.
Speaking during a recent interview on Channels Television, Governor Alia made it clear that the threat level in Benue has escalated significantly. According to him, what many perceive as communal disputes are, in fact, strategic assaults orchestrated by violent non-state actors aiming to destabilize the region.
Communities across the state have witnessed a disturbing rise in attacks, resulting in widespread destruction of homes, farmlands, and local businesses. Dozens of lives have been lost, and thousands have been displaced as armed groups continue to operate with alarming impunity.
Governor Alia emphasized that these aren't random or spontaneous incidents—they are well-coordinated efforts intended to erode public safety and undermine governance. His statement comes amid growing calls for a stronger federal response to the violence engulfing Benue and its surrounding regions.
The Benue State Government has been engaging with security agencies, traditional rulers, and civil society organizations in a bid to find long-term solutions. However, the governor's message underscores a larger problem: the current approach to internal security is insufficient to contain the scale and sophistication of the threats facing the state.
Beyond its borders, Benue’s crisis sends ripples across Nigeria, raising national concerns about the spread of terrorism and organized banditry. The situation further highlights the urgent need for a coordinated, nationwide response that addresses not only the symptoms but the systemic issues fueling violence across the country.
Governor Alia’s public alarm serves as a critical call to action. He insists that unless decisive measures are taken immediately—both at state and federal levels—the peace, stability, and economic foundation of Benue could be irreparably damaged.
Amid the turmoil, the people of Benue remain defiant. Despite the uncertainty, they continue to stand strong, demanding protection, justice, and the restoration of peace in their ancestral lands.