Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has reported significant progress in tackling insecurity, claiming his administration has reduced attacks from 17 local government areas to just three.
Speaking on Channels Television's Morning Brief program on Monday, Governor Alia highlighted what he described as a "huge milestone" in the fight against insecurity in the state.
"Seventeen local governments were under attack. We fought it down to nine local governments, then to six local governments, now to three local governments," Alia stated. "That's a huge milestone, and you can only appreciate it if you are within the state or if you are in the full understanding of this."
The governor acknowledged ongoing challenges despite the progress made. "There are frustrations, but is the milestone made huge enough and satisfactory? There is so much work for you to do to say we have tried and done so well," he added.
Recent Attacks Continue Despite Claims of Progress
Despite the governor's positive assessment, Benue State continues to witness deadly attacks. In recent days, suspected herders have repeatedly targeted Yelewata in Guma Local Government Area.
The violence has also spilled over into neighboring Nasarawa State, where attackers reportedly killed a village head and abducted several residents during a raid on Tse Yange, a Tiv-dominated community in Obi Local Government Area. Reports indicate the attackers invaded the community on motorbikes before unleashing terror.
The ongoing violence has prompted reactions from various quarters, with President Tinubu reportedly ordering enhanced security action in Benue and tasking Governor Alia with reconciliation efforts.
The situation has also led to protests in Makurdi, with police arresting 14 individuals, while public figures including musician 2Face Idibia have described the killings as a "national emergency."
Political tensions have emerged within the state government, with reports indicating that the Governor's Principal Special Assistant has dismissed the Chief of Staff and Chief Press Secretary for joining protests against the killings.
As the security situation continues to evolve, many Benue residents await concrete actions that will translate the governor's claimed progress into tangible safety and stability across the state.
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