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| Governor Hyacinth Alia speaks on security measures after Benue killings |
Alia spoke on Channels TV’s Politics Today. He said gunmen now attack in hundreds. Villages lack weapons and training. He urged community policing instead. He said more guns bring more death.
The attack on Yelewata left many without food or shelter. Homes burned, crops lost. Survivors begged for help. The state lost a year’s yam and rice harvest . Alia said emergency help, not arms, is the answer.
Calls for self-defence followed a speech by former defence minister TY Danjuma. Danjuma said civilians must protect themselves. Alia noted Danjuma’s status but warned against chaos. He said desperation won’t fix deep issues.
Tension stems from clashes over land and water. Farmers say herders destroy their farms. Herders say they use traditional grazing routes. The 2017 grazing law aimed to end open grazing. Critics say it is not enforced .
Since 2023, attacks rose across six local councils. Good Friday raids killed 72 in Ukum and Logo . Another raid in Katsina-Ala took 15 lives . Many suspect some attackers are foreign mercenaries .
Alia trimmed hotspots from 17 to six councils. He credited state security teams for that . He welcomed two armoured tanks from the FG but wants more support. He says police need new gear and better pay.
He urged the public to share intel. He set up a hotline for tips. He asked traditional rulers to back his security drives . He warned politicians who spread fear for gain. He called them “detractors” using crisis for plots .
Security experts say community policing can cut crime. Local patrols know their area best. They urge training and vetting of volunteers. Experts warn against arming civilians without training. They say that often leads to more killings.
Human rights groups call for justice. They want swift trial of any arrested herders. They say past amnesty deals failed. They press for truth and reconciliation panels.
President Tinubu condemned attacks and pledged action. He plans a visit to affected areas this week . The FG sent armoured vehicles but delayed troop deployments. Critics say the response is too slow.
The Senate has debated state-of-emergency calls. Some senators agree with Danjuma. Others back Alia’s view. They warn that extra troops may clash with locals.
Titus Tsegba lost his wife and four children. He said, “Everything is gone.” He survived only because he slept elsewhere . Many IDPs now live in schools and cramped camps.
Market women cannot sell. They fear raids. Youths say they need jobs and security. Elders ask for dialogue between farmers and herders.