The Federal Government and the Benue State Government have announced a strategic partnership aimed at ending recurring attacks by armed herders and criminal groups across Benue State. This high-stakes collaboration marks a new chapter in the fight against rural insecurity in Nigeria’s North-Central region.
Governor Hyacinth Alia revealed the joint effort during a town hall meeting in Makurdi as part of activities marking his administration’s second anniversary. The event, which featured a media tour led by former Minister of Information Mr. Labaran Maku, served as a performance review for the governor’s leadership so far. Represented by his deputy, Mr. Samuel Ode, Governor Alia made it clear that security remains a top priority under his administration and is fully aligned with the constitutional duty to protect the lives and property of citizens.
Addressing the audience, Governor Alia described the wave of herder-related violence and criminality as a national security concern that extends beyond Benue, affecting several states in the North-East and North-Central zones. He acknowledged the growing complexity of the crisis, noting that attackers often operate with speed and tactical coordination, making them difficult to apprehend using conventional security methods.
To counter this, the Federal and state governments are working on what he described as a proactive, intelligence-driven security framework. While specific details were withheld for security reasons, Alia assured residents that the plan would shift the focus from reactive to preventive measures, aiming to stop attacks before they occur.
The governor also warned against politicizing security issues, stating that every effort must be geared toward protecting lives, not scoring political points. “We will not allow insecurity to cripple our economy or disrupt daily life. This government is fully committed to making every inch of Benue safe,” he declared.
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A key element of the new security strategy is the establishment of the Benue Civil Protection Guard, a locally structured intelligence outfit composed of community volunteers. Although not armed with heavy weapons, these guards possess deep knowledge of the terrain and will serve as vital informants for formal security agencies. Their presence is expected to close information gaps and support real-time response efforts across rural communities.
In a significant logistical boost, the Alia-led administration has procured and distributed over 100 Hilux vehicles to security operatives across the state, ensuring rapid mobility and improved response times. He urged citizens to participate actively in the fight against insecurity by reporting unusual movements and suspicious behavior. “If you hear something, say something. Security is not the job of the government alone—it’s a shared responsibility,” the governor said.
Speaking at the town hall, Dr. Mike Omeri, former Director-General of the National Orientation Agency, lauded the administration’s efforts and called for unity in transforming Benue into a beacon of development. He emphasized the need to shift the narrative from politics to progress, stressing that Benue’s rich potential must be harnessed for economic growth and regional stability.
Echoing similar sentiments, Mr. Labaran Maku reminded the audience of a similar media tour in 2013 that spotlighted achievements at the grassroots. He called on public officials to remain people-focused and on citizens to hold leaders accountable. “This democracy must work for the people. Infrastructure and services should reach every citizen, regardless of party lines,” he said.
