FG, Benue government partner to end herders’ attacks – Gov. Alia

The Federal Government, in collaboration with the Benue State Government, is developing a comprehensive security strategy aimed at ending persistent herders’ attacks in the state.

The Governor of Benue State Rev. Hyacinth Alia disclosed this during a town hall meeting in Makurdi, held as part of activities marking his administration’s second anniversary. The event also coincided with a media assessment tour led by former Minister of Information, Labaran Maku.

Represented by his deputy, Dr. Samuel Ode, Governor Alia reaffirmed that security remains a core priority 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; they are part of a broader security challenge affecting the North-East and North-Central regions,” he said.

He noted that the complexity of asymmetric warfare, where attackers often strike and flee using well-coordinated syndicates, has made combating banditry and terrorism more difficult.

“To address this, the Federal Government, in collaboration with the state, is designing a robust security framework focused on prevention rather than reaction,” he explained.

Although operational details are being kept confidential, the governor assured residents that efforts were proactive and ongoing. He condemned attempts to politicize security matters, warning that no part of the state would be allowed to descend into lawlessness.

“We will not allow insecurity to cripple our economy. Protecting lives and property is a top priority,” he emphasized.

Alia highlighted the creation of the Benue Civil Protection Guard, which is intended to complement conventional security agencies. While these civilian volunteers may not carry high-calibre weapons, their local knowledge and intelligence-gathering abilities are expected to aid significantly in combating crime.

To support these efforts, the state has procured and distributed over 100 Hilux vehicles to security agencies to improve mobility and response times.

The governor urged residents to take a participatory role in enhancing security by reporting suspicious activities.

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“When you hear something, say something. Security is a collective responsibility,” he said.

Also speaking at the event, former Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Dr. Mike Omeri, praised the administration’s efforts and described Benue as a “land of possibilities.”

“This is not about politics; it’s about assessing development. What we’re witnessing here is a new model of leadership focused on impact and delivery,” Omeri said, expressing optimism that Benue could emerge as a model for development in the Middle Belt.

The Former Minister of Information, Labaran Maku, emphasized the need for governance to deliver tangible benefits to citizens. He recalled a similar good governance tour in 2013 under former Governor Gabriel Suswam, which showcased grassroots achievements.

“This democracy must serve the people. That’s the true essence of governance,” Maku stated, adding that infrastructure and social development should rise above party politics.

“When a road is built, it’s not an APC or PDP road — it’s for all Nigerians,” he concluded, calling for continued media scrutiny and active citizen engagement to keep public officials accountable and development-oriented.