Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, has voiced deep frustration over the inability of security agencies to stem the tide of growing insecurity in the state, despite extensive efforts by his administration.
Speaking through his media aide, Sir Kula Tersoo, the governor expressed disappointment that no terrorist has been apprehended, even after the deployment of more security personnel and several high-profile visits by top security officials, including the Chief of Army Staff, Chief of Naval Staff, and the National Security Adviser.
Governor Alia’s remarks come amid mounting criticism from a faction of the Benue State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) loyal to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume. The group accused the Alia-led administration of lacking the capacity to address the worsening insecurity, particularly in the wake of recent attacks by armed herders that reportedly claimed 42 lives.
In a scathing response, Tersoo questioned the motives of the factional APC camp, defending the governor’s track record and accusing critics of political opportunism.
“What more do they expect from the governor? He has worked tirelessly to address the security crisis,” Tersoo said. “His efforts are evident in the visits by the Chief of Army Staff, Chief of Naval Staff, other top security officials, and even the National Security Adviser. More security personnel have been deployed, yet, sadly, no terrorist has been arrested. The governor has supported these operations by providing 300 motorcycles to ease the mobility of the security forces.”
Tersoo also urged the Akume-led faction to reflect on the dire security challenges that plagued previous administrations, including those under Senator Akume and immediate past governor Samuel Ortom.
“What is happening now is not worse than the crisis during Akume’s tenure when people from Taraba and Nasarawa states invaded Benue, or the attacks under Ortom’s administration,” he stated.
As the state continues to grapple with unrelenting violence and community displacement, residents are left seeking answers and protection, while political tension within the ruling APC further complicates the path to a united security strategy.
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