Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has expressed deep frustration over the persistent insecurity plaguing the state, despite what he described as intensive efforts and significant interventions aimed at restoring peace and stability.
In a statement issued through his media aide, Kula Tersoo, Governor Alia lamented that even with the deployment of additional security personnel and the high-profile visits of senior security officials to the state, no terrorists have been arrested, leaving residents increasingly vulnerable.
The governor’s remarks came in response to criticism from a faction of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue State, allegedly loyal to Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume. The faction had accused Alia of lacking the capacity to manage the state’s escalating security crisis.
Defending the governor’s track record, Tersoo asked rhetorically what more critics expected from Governor Alia, noting that he has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to tackling the insecurity challenges. He pointed to several high-level visits to Benue by national security leaders, including the Chief of Army Staff, Chief of Naval Staff, and the National Security Adviser, as a testament to the seriousness with which the governor is approaching the situation.
“The governor has not relented. He has gone the extra mile by supporting security forces operationally, including providing 300 motorcycles to enhance their mobility across difficult terrains,” Tersoo said.
Despite these initiatives, the continued absence of tangible results such as the arrest of perpetrators remains a major concern for the state government and its citizens.
Governor Alia also seized the opportunity to remind critics of the historical context of insecurity in Benue State. He called on Akume’s loyalists within the APC to reflect on the security crises under past administrations, notably during the tenures of George Akume himself and immediate past governor, Samuel Ortom.
“What we’re facing today is not unprecedented. During Akume’s administration, communities in Benue were attacked by invaders from Taraba and Nasarawa states. The Ortom era also saw repeated incursions by armed herdsmen. These are not new challenges,” the governor asserted.
Governor Alia's statement underscores the ongoing tensions within the state’s ruling party, as internal divisions continue to mirror the broader insecurity issues affecting many parts of Nigeria.
Post a Comment