By : Christian C. Asema
As the 2027 governorship race in Benue State heats up, one aspirant is already setting the tone on a critical issue that has plagued the state for years , insecurity. Honorable Terwase Orbunde, a prominent figure in the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former Chief of Staff to the Governor of Benue state Dr.Samuel Ortom, has made a bold pledge to marshal both grassroots and international support to combat the relentless security challenges in Benue State if elected governor 2027.
Honorable Orbunde’s approach to the security crisis stems from a deep understanding of its complexities. In a recent statement, he emphasized that the violent attackers who have been able to conquer and occupy parts of Benue State do not operate in isolation. Instead, these criminal elements have established networks that span multiple countries.
This international dimension, he explains, means that local efforts alone will not suffice to restore peace and order. “Since the attackers have a network across several countries, only a corresponding superior network will be able to surmount them,” Orbunde said, highlighting the need for collaborative, strategic partnerships beyond Nigeria’s borders.
To drive home the global scope of the insecurity challenge, Orbunde recalled an eye opening revelation by a former governor of Kaduna State. The ex-governor reportedly disclosed how he had to negotiate and pay sums of money to bandits operating not just within Nigeria but across many African countries to keep peace.
This insight underscores how the menace is not confined by state or national boundaries. It demands a response that is as interconnected and international as the networks that empower these criminal groups.
Even before officially launching his 2023 governorship bid, Orbunde took preliminary steps to seek international cooperation to fight insecurity in Benue. His efforts reportedly elicited interest from powerful global actors, including Israel, the European Union, and the United States of America.
These countries, known for their advanced security frameworks and intelligence capabilities, indicated a willingness to support efforts to stabilize Benue State. “Such assistance could be deployed to tackle both external and internal security challenges,” Orbunde explained, envisioning a multi-pronged security strategy that leverages international expertise and resources.
Insecurity in Benue State, like in many other parts of Nigeria, is fueled by complex factors such as porous borders, ethnic tensions, economic deprivation, and the availability of arms and ammunition from illicit sources. Criminal groups have evolved, employing sophisticated communication, financing, and operational networks that outpace the traditional capabilities of local security forces.
The involvement of international partners can bring several benefits:
Intelligence Sharing: Cooperation with foreign intelligence agencies can help track and disrupt transnational criminal networks.
Training and Capacity Building: Security forces can receive specialized training in counterterrorism, cyber security, and intelligence operations.
Technology Transfer: Advanced surveillance equipment, drones, and communication tools can enhance operational effectiveness.
Economic and Development Support: Addressing the root causes of insecurity often requires economic revitalization and social interventions supported by international aid.
While international partnerships are crucial, Orbunde stresses that true security must also come from the grassroots. “No external support can succeed without the active participation of the local communities,” he said.
He pledges to engage traditional rulers, youth groups, women’s organizations, and civil society across Benue State to build community-based security frameworks. These include neighborhood watch programs, early warning systems, and dialogue platforms to address local grievances before they escalate.
For Honorable Terwase Orbunde, tackling insecurity is not just about restoring peace it is about unlocking the full potential of Benue State. The prolonged violence has crippled agriculture, disrupted education, and driven away investment.
“Benue has vast human and natural resources,” he said. “By ensuring security, we create an environment where businesses can thrive, schools can operate uninterrupted, and families can live without fear.”
As Benue State prepares for the 2027 governorship election, the stakes could not be higher. The insecurity crisis remains the paramount challenge facing the people. Honorable Terwase Orbunde’s pledge to combine grassroots mobilization with international partnerships offers a comprehensive and ambitious blueprint to restore peace.
Whether this strategy will win the confidence of the electorate remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: in a world where crime transcends borders, so must the solutions. Orbunde’s call for a superior, coordinated network to counter the menace could signal a new chapter in Benue’s long journey towards security and stability.
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