Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has dismissed rising calls for self-defence among residents in the wake of deadly attacks across the state, instead throwing his full support behind the implementation of a robust community policing system.
Speaking during an interview with AIT News on Tuesday, Governor Alia addressed growing public frustration following recent coordinated assaults—allegedly carried out by suspected armed herders—that left over 100 people dead in Guma Local Government Area and nearby communities.
“It may sound logical to arm oneself,” he admitted, “but emotional reactions to tragic events can deepen our vulnerability. I cannot advocate for self-defence as a long-term solution.”
Governor Alia acknowledged the pain and anger across Benue but cautioned that a militarized civilian response could worsen an already volatile security situation.
Community-Led Security as the Way Forward
Reaffirming his stance, Alia emphasized community policing as the most viable approach to tackling recurring violence in the state.
“Only those within our communities truly understand the terrain and threats we face,” the governor said. “Community policing remains the most realistic path toward ensuring sustainable peace and proactive response.”
He urged citizens, local stakeholders, and traditional leaders to embrace collective security arrangements and support government efforts in empowering locally grounded law enforcement.
Renewed Violence Sparks National Concern
The most recent attacks, which lasted over two days, have triggered national outrage, with civil society groups, activists, and political figures—including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar—calling for urgent intervention and justice for victims.
Local sources suggest the actual number of casualties could exceed current estimates, as many rural areas remain inaccessible for accurate reporting.
Amid fears of further attacks, advocacy groups have urged the federal government to declare a state of emergency in affected regions of Benue, citing repeated failures in intelligence response and early warning systems.
Governor Alia acknowledged these concerns and pledged closer coordination with national security agencies while continuing to push for reforms that enable local authorities to respond swiftly to emerging threats.
“We must remain vigilant, but we must also act with wisdom. True safety lies not in chaos, but in strategy, unity, and structure,” he concluded.
