Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia has advised against communities resorting to self-defence amid escalating security challenges, advocating instead for community policing as a more effective solution to the state's insecurity crisis.
Speaking on AIT's Kakaaki programme on Tuesday, Governor Alia cautioned that self-defence measures could potentially make communities more vulnerable to attacks rather than securing them.
"Where you have people who just decide to wake up because of sentiments and emotions that are attached to what is happening with us and within us, I think we're rendering ourselves a bit more vulnerable — so I wouldn't advocate for self-defence," the governor stated.
Rising Insecurity in Benue
Benue State has recently experienced a surge in violent attacks, with over 300 people reportedly killed in incidents that the governor has attributed to armed herders. The Yelewata area has been particularly affected by these attacks.
Instead of self-defence, Governor Alia emphasized the importance of community policing, stating: "I would encourage us all to keep calling for community policing because it's the only way. It's only people from within the state and local government who would understand what is going on with them."
The governor's comments come at a critical time as the state government seeks sustainable solutions to protect citizens while maintaining order in affected communities.
In recent weeks, the Nigerian Air Force has reportedly deployed additional air assets to Benue following the Yelwata massacre, indicating increased federal attention to the security situation in the state.
Stay updated on this developing story by following BenriNews on our social media platforms:
