Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia has declared that the state is currently under a “security siege” amid escalating attacks by armed invaders, vowing to convene a security summit to tackle the deepening crisis.

Speaking during an address to worshippers at the Chapel of Grace, Government House, Makurdi, shortly after Easter Mass on Sunday, the governor painted a grim picture of the security situation in the state, describing it as “extremely unacceptable” and calling for collective vigilance.

“We are under siege as a state, we are under attack, and those who are attacking us must have a face, must have an aim, and must have a drive,” Alia said, according to Daily Post.

“They come, they drag people out, they kill to occupy. This is extremely unacceptable.”

The governor emphasised security as a shared responsibility and urged citizens to report suspicious activities to law enforcement agencies.

“If you hear something, say something,” he urged. “It will enable the security agents to move out there and repel the invaders.”

Governor Alia, who on Saturday appealed for full federal support to combat the growing threat, said the attackers were not faceless but had a clear mission to occupy land belonging to Benue people.

He also used the opportunity to warn politicians against exploiting the crisis for personal or political gains, saying, “I invite you politicians to stay clear. Don’t be part of those who are attacking us. We have some machinery in place to dig deeper to let us know who is a culprit, who is involved in the destruction of our state.”

In the wake of renewed violence in Ukum and Logo Local Government Areas, where dozens of lives were reportedly lost during Holy Week, the governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to peace and justice.

“A terrorist is a terrorist irrespective of his ethnicity or his religion. Criminality is criminality, period! So whoever commits it is a terrorist, and he should not be where the living are,” Alia declared, condemning all forms of violence and lawlessness.

He called on the people of Benue not to lose hope, assuring them that the government would go to “every length and every strain” to ensure the return of peace and stability to the state.

Reflecting on the Easter season, Governor Alia encouraged residents to pray for the repose of the souls lost to the recent violence, stating, “The death and resurrection of Christ, which we celebrate at Easter, demonstrate selfless sacrifice. Let us offer prayers, especially for those innocent people who were gruesomely murdered in Ukum and Logo LGAs.”

The governor is expected to convene a Benue State Security Summit in the coming days, bringing together stakeholders, security chiefs, and community leaders to discuss lasting solutions to the protracted violence plaguing the state.

Benue, located in Nigeria’s North Central region, has long been a hotspot for deadly clashes between armed herders and farming communities.

The latest attacks have renewed fears among residents, prompting urgent calls for both state and federal action.

Credits: https://saharareporters.com/