Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia has urgently appealed to the federal government for enhanced security assistance to combat the relentless attacks plaguing the state, rejecting calls for a state of emergency declaration. The governor’s plea comes as armed assailants—many suspected to be foreign militants—continue their deadly raids on farming communities.
Critical Security Update:
- Current Hotspots: Attacks now concentrated in 6 LGAs, down from 17 earlier this year
- Federal Response: Two armored tanks recently deployed, providing limited relief
- Governor’s Assessment: “We’re containing the situation but need urgent reinforcements”
During a televised interview, Governor Alia emphasized that Benue’s security challenges require specialized intervention rather than emergency rule. “What we need isn’t bureaucratic takeover but military support to flush out these armed invaders,” he stated, noting many attackers don’t speak local languages, suggesting cross-border origins.
The governor revealed his administration’s counterinsurgency strategy has successfully reduced violence in 11 local governments, but warned that displaced farmers remain unable to return to their ancestral lands. His appeal specifically requests:
- Additional armored personnel carriers
- Advanced surveillance equipment
- Joint military operations along border areas
- Humanitarian aid for 200,000+ displaced persons
Security analysts confirm Benue’s crisis has evolved into a complex hybrid threat combining pastoral conflicts with suspected foreign militant activity. The state’s geographic position—bordering three violence-prone states and Cameroon—makes it particularly vulnerable to cross-border raids.
President Tinubu’s office acknowledged receiving the governor’s request, with National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu expected to visit Benue next week. Meanwhile, the death toll from last weekend’s attack on Agatu villages surpassed 50, according to local emergency responders.
Residents remain cautiously hopeful as military convoys were spotted moving toward crisis zones Wednesday evening—potentially signaling the beginning of the requested reinforcement operation.
