Benue State Governor, Reverend Father Hyacinth Alia, has called for urgent federal support rather than a declaration of a state of emergency in the wake of ongoing killings by armed bandits in the region.
Appearing on Arise Television’s The Morning Show on Wednesday, Governor Alia clarified that while the security challenges in the state are serious, they are not beyond control. However, he emphasized the need for stronger intervention from the federal government to effectively combat the threat.
“We don’t need a state of emergency. What we need is emergency help,” Alia stated. “We need absolute support. The federal government has shown some assistance — two armoured tanks have already been deployed.”
The governor acknowledged some improvement in the security situation but stressed that displaced residents must be safely returned to their homes. He pointed to the presence of foreign-speaking armed invaders, suggesting that some of the perpetrators are not even from Nigeria.
“These are not people from our communities. They must return to wherever they came from, so our farmers can reclaim their ancestral lands,” he added.
Governor Alia reiterated his administration’s commitment to restoring peace but insisted that success hinges on continued collaboration with federal authorities.
