FG, Benue Govt Collaborate to End Herders’ Attacks, Governor Alia
By peterside Rejoice Eneky
Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has announced a joint security initiative between the Federal Government and the Benue State Government aimed at ending the wave of herders’ attacks and restoring lasting peace to the state.
Speaking at a town hall meeting in Makurdi as part of activities marking the second anniversary of his administration, Governor Alia represented by his deputy, Mr. Samuel Ode emphasized that security remains a top priority for his government in line with the 1999 Constitution.
“The killings by herders and other criminal elements are not unique to Benue alone. It is a widespread issue affecting parts of the North-East and North-Central,” Alia said. “The nature of asymmetric warfare makes the fight against insecurity more complex, as the attackers are often part of coordinated hit-and-run operations.”
To combat this, the governor said a robust security architecture is being developed in partnership with the federal government, focusing on preventive strategies rather than reactive responses.
Although specific details of the strategy are being kept confidential for operational reasons, Alia assured the public that measures are already underway and will cover every part of the state to prevent any descent into lawlessness.
“No part of Benue will be left to chaos. We are intentional about protecting lives and property,” he said, warning against politicizing security issues.
As part of local efforts, the state government has established the Benue Civil Protection Guard. Though the volunteer force is not equipped with military-grade weapons, their deep understanding of the local terrain and their intelligence-gathering capabilities make them a valuable asset, he said.
To enhance security operations, the state has also procured and distributed over 100 Hilux vehicles to various security agencies, boosting mobility and rapid response.
Alia called on residents to support the government’s efforts by being vigilant and proactive.
“When you hear something, say something. Security is a collective responsibility,” he stressed.
The event also featured remarks from Dr. Mike Omeri, former Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), who praised the state’s leadership for its developmental strides.
“We are not here for politics but to assess real progress. What we see is a new leadership model centered on service delivery,” Omeri said.
Labaran Maku, former Minister of Information and leader of the media assessment tour, emphasized that development should transcend party affiliations.
“When a road is constructed, it is not an APC road or PDP road it is for all Nigerians,” Maku noted. He urged continued citizen engagement and media scrutiny to ensure governance remains people-focused.
The town hall meeting underscored the administration’s resolve to deliver security, infrastructure, and inclusive governance amid mounting national challenges.
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