A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and Law Professor, Chief Sebastine Hon, has petitioned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to declare a military state of emergency in Benue State amid escalating violence and killings across multiple communities.

In his petition signed on Monday, Prof. Hon accused Governor Hyacinth Alia's administration of negligence, denial, and insensitivity toward the worsening security situation in the state.

The senior lawyer cited recent deadly attacks on communities including Agan on May 29, and Naka and Edikwu-Ankpali on June 1, 2025, where scores of people were reportedly killed.

Governor Accused of Downplaying Crisis

"On May 29, 2025, Agan Community, right in Makurdi city, the state capital, was attacked in broad daylight. Today marks four days since then, and our dear governor has not deemed it fit to issue a statement consoling the victims, not to talk of visiting the bereaved families," Hon stated in his petition.

The SAN accused Governor Alia of characterizing the deadly incidents as "mere skirmishes" while continuing with public celebrations despite reports of fresh killings.

He also highlighted the May 24 attack on Rev. Fr. Solomon Atongo, which allegedly occurred just 500 meters from a military checkpoint, claiming that "none of the soldiers at the checkpoint came to his rescue until the attackers left him for dead."

Military Presence Ineffective

According to Prof. Hon, the current military presence in Benue has failed to deter attackers. He alleged that in some instances, security personnel have stood by as violence occurred near their checkpoints.

The petition called for the replacement of all military commanders in Benue State, including ground troops if necessary, stating that "the way and manner they are operating in the state is clearly unsatisfactory."

Historical Precedents Cited

To strengthen his case, Prof. Hon referenced previous declarations of states of emergency in Nigeria's history, including:

- The 1962 declaration in Western Region by Prime Minister Tafawa Balewa following census-related violence

- President Olusegun Obasanjo's 2004 declaration in Plateau State after over 2,000 lives were lost to sectarian crisis

- Obasanjo's 2006 emergency declaration in Ekiti State due to political violence

- President Goodluck Jonathan's 2011 emergency declarations in parts of Borno and Plateau States

The SAN also drew parallels with emergency proclamations in the United States, including Donald Trump's 2025 proclamation on border security, arguing that "what President Trump described as justification for emergency intervention is precisely what is happening in Benue State."

Concluding his petition, Prof. Hon warned: "The sovereignty of Nigeria is under very serious risk! No situation is more fitting to declare a military state of emergency in Benue State! The time for you to act is now, Sir!"

As of the time of this report, there has been no official response from the Presidency or the Benue State Government regarding the petition.