Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has made a passionate appeal to the Federal Government, urging for immediate and increased support to stem the tide of violent attacks in the state, while firmly rejecting calls for the declaration of a state of emergency.
Speaking during an appearance on Arise TV’s The Morning Show on Wednesday, Governor Alia maintained that the security challenges in Benue are still within the state’s control, provided the federal authorities bolster their assistance.
“What we need now is emergency support, not a state of emergency,” Alia stated unequivocally. “We need help to push out armed invaders who don’t even speak our languages and restore our displaced farmers to their ancestral lands.”
The governor acknowledged the support already extended by the Federal Government, including the provision of two armored tanks, but stressed that more needs to be done. He pointed out that, since the beginning of his administration, the number of local government areas under siege had been reduced from 17 to six—a clear sign that the state government is capable of turning the tide if adequately supported.
Alia also raised concerns over the identity of the perpetrators, noting that many of them are suspected to be foreign elements, further complicating the crisis. He called on Nigerians to stand in unity, intensify prayers, and support efforts to bring lasting peace to Benue.
“The people of Benue deserve to live in peace and farm their lands without fear,” he said, urging all stakeholders to rally behind the state in its quest to secure its borders and protect its citizens.
Governor Alia’s call adds to the growing discourse on how best to tackle rising insecurity across Nigeria without undermining democratic governance.