Governor Alia Calls for State Police During IGP's Visit Amid Benue Insecurity

Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia has once again asked for the creation of state police. He believes the focus should now be on how to make this policing system work, instead of debating if we need it or not.

Governor Alia spoke on Thursday while welcoming the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Disu, for a security meeting at the Government House in Makurdi.

“The conversation should no longer be about whether Nigeria needs state police but how to make it operational,” the governor said. “Security is most effective when those protecting our communities understand the people, the terrain, and the local realities.”

The governor said the IGP’s visit came at the right time. He noted that it shows that the Nigeria Police Force is serious about improving security and working better with state governments. He called the ongoing attacks on Benue communities unacceptable, warning that this violence is a serious threat to lives and Nigeria’s food security, as Benue is known as the country’s “food basket.”

Governor Alia mentioned that his government is helping security agencies with vehicles, motorcycles, communication tools, and logistics. He also talked about improving information sharing and teamwork between agencies. He promised his full support for a planned 14-day security operation across the state, adding, “Together, we will continue to deny criminals any haven.”

He also promised to help internally displaced persons (IDPs) return safely to their homes. Many have already returned for the farming season. “Our administration will continue to support them with farm inputs and every necessary security measure,” he added.

Governor Alia praised President Bola Tinubu for backing security efforts in the state. He also thanked the Benue Commissioner of Police, Cletus Nwadiogbu, for promoting community policing and engaging youth. He urged residents, traditional rulers, and community leaders to keep providing useful information to security agencies, stating, “Security is a shared responsibility, and together, we will reclaim every inch of our land.”

IGP Calls for Better Intelligence in Policing

During the meeting, Mr Disu expressed worry about the rise of advanced firearms, saying this is a main reason for ongoing violence in communities.

The IGP, according to a statement from the Force Public Relations Officer, Anietie Iniedu, encouraged residents, especially the youth, to quickly report any suspicious activities. He assured them that all information would be kept confidential. Mr Disu also highlighted the need for better teamwork between the police, other security agencies, and local security groups to tackle the state’s security issues, especially the ongoing farmer-herder conflicts.

He praised the Benue government and community leaders for their support of security operations, noting that local cooperation is key to achieving lasting peace.

Recent Attacks

This visit comes amid rising security fears in Benue after a series of deadly attacks in various communities.

On 12 July, armed herders attacked the Akpachi and Otukpo-Nobi communities in Otukpo Local Government Area. They killed at least eight people, including women and children, according to the Benue State Police Command. These attacks led to protests by residents, and Amnesty International called for an independent investigation into the killings while urging authorities to protect vulnerable communities.

Just two days later, armed herders attacked the Ondo community in Ugboju, also in Otukpo Local Government Area. This forced residents to flee and sparked new protests about increasing insecurity.

Earlier, on 1 July, armed herders attacked the Sai community in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area, resulting in several deaths and injuries.

The state has also seen a rise in kidnappings and targeted attacks recently. On 3 July, David Salifu, a former Benue Secretary to the State Government, died from gunshot wounds during an attempted kidnapping along the Wukari-Zaki Biam road. Three days later, troops from Operation Whirl Stroke announced the killing of a suspected kidnapper involved in the attack.

More recently, soldiers from a joint military task force killed two suspected terrorists, rescued three kidnapped victims, and recovered weapons during a planned operation in the Katsina-Ala Local Government Area.

These ongoing attacks have displaced thousands of residents and increased calls for better security, including renewed requests from political leaders for the establishment of state police.