FG, Benue State strengthen alliance to curb herders’ attacks

The Federal Government and the Benue State Government are jointly developing a comprehensive security strategy to end the recurring herders’ attacks in the state, Governor Hyacinth Alia has disclosed.

Alia made this known during a town hall meeting in Makurdi, held as part of the events marking the second anniversary of his administration.

The gathering also featured a media assessment tour led by former Minister of Information, Mr Labaran Maku, to evaluate the government’s achievements.

Represented by his deputy, Mr Samuel Ode, the governor emphasized that security remains a fundamental focus of his administration in line with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution.

“The killings by herders and other criminal elements are not unique to Benue. It’s a regional problem across parts of the North-East and North-Central,” he said.

He noted that the fight against insecurity is particularly difficult due to the asymmetric tactics used by criminal elements, who often operate in coordinated, hit-and-run style attacks.

“To address this, we are working with the Federal Government to implement a forward-thinking security framework centered on prevention,” Alia stated.

While the operational details of the security plans are being kept confidential, Alia assured residents that the approach is both strategic and ongoing.

He also warned against politicizing security issues, stating that no community in the state would be left vulnerable to lawlessness.

“We are deliberate in our efforts to protect lives and property in Benue. Insecurity must not derail our economic growth,” he added.

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The governor pointed to the creation of the Benue Civil Protection Guard, a civilian outfit meant to complement conventional security agencies.

Though unarmed with heavy weapons, these local volunteers possess valuable intelligence-gathering capabilities critical to rooting out crime.

In addition, the state government has procured and distributed over 100 Hilux vehicles to improve mobility for security personnel and enhance rapid response efforts.

Alia also urged residents to take part in the security efforts by staying vigilant and reporting suspicious activities. “When you hear something, say something. Security is everyone’s responsibility,” he emphasized.

Dr Mike Omeri, former Director-General of the National Orientation Agency, praised the governor’s efforts and described Benue as a land full of possibilities. He commended the administration for its delivery-focused leadership.

“We’re not here for politics, but to assess progress. What we’re witnessing is a fresh model of leadership built on results,” Omeri said. He expressed hope that, with consistency, Benue could become a regional model for development.

Former Minister of Information, Mr Labaran Maku, also spoke at the event, stressing the importance of service-oriented governance and consistent media oversight.

He recalled the 2013 national good governance tour during the tenure of former Governor Gabriel Suswam, which spotlighted grassroots development.

“Democracy should serve the people—that’s its purpose,” Maku said. He stressed that development projects should benefit all citizens, regardless of party affiliation.

“A road is not an APC road or a PDP road. It belongs to the people,” he added, calling for sustained civic engagement and accountability in governance.

NAN