The security challenges confronting Benue state, alongside the political tensions surrounding the Governor Hyacinth Alia administration, have continued to attract national and international attention. Public debate has intensified over whether Governor Alia is responsible for the state’s persistent insecurity or he is working to resolve long-standing challenges inherited from previous administrations.
Supporters of the governor argue that his administration has made efforts across several sectors of development while confronting security threats that predated his tenure. They contend that many of the issues in the state, including recurring attacks in rural communities, existed long before Alia assumed office.
Political observers who have examined the leadership disputes in the state maintain that Governor Alia should be viewed as a leader attempting to address difficult challenges rather than as the cause of the insecurity. They note that, like every state governor, he relies on commissioners, traditional rulers, youth leaders, security agencies, and other government officials to carry out responsibilities across the state, making it impossible for him to be physically present in every affected community.
Supporters further recall that previous administrations also struggled to end attacks attributed to armed herders and other criminal elements. They argue that upon assuming office, Governor Alia inherited an already difficult security situation and sought federal intervention. His appeals reportedly drew the attention of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who directed security agencies to intensify efforts to identify and apprehend those responsible for attacks, including those in Yelwata.
They also express concern that many attacks occur in remote rural communities where local intelligence gathering and security coordination remain weak. This, they argue, highlights the need for greater accountability among traditional institutions, community leaders, youth groups, and security personnel responsible for safeguarding vulnerable areas. They recommend that government periodically review appointments and responsibilities to ensure effective community security.
According to the governor’s supporters, political rivalry and disagreements with influential political figures should not overshadow the urgent need to protect lives and property. They contend that the focus should remain on finding lasting solutions rather than allowing political competition to dominate public discourse.
The continued attacks have also prompted questions about the responsibilities of political leaders across party lines. Some citizens have called on prominent Benue political figures, including Senator George Akume, Mike Aondoakaa, and former Governor Samuel Ortom, to unite in support of efforts aimed at restoring peace, regardless of political differences.
Supporters of Governor Alia maintain that his administration has rejected the culture of political godfatherism and has instead emphasised transparency, development, unity, and accountable governance. They believe that the current political disagreements have exposed long-standing governance deficiencies that require collective action rather than division.
They note that Governor Alia has consistently advocated the establishment of state police as a means of strengthening internal security. They describe his advocacy as one that has gained broader national acceptance, with increasing support from state governments, the federal government, and the National Assembly as discussions on state police continue.
Beyond security, supporters point to ongoing infrastructure projects, humanitarian interventions, and rural development initiatives undertaken by the administration. They also highlight the alignment of the governor’s policies with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, citing projects executed across rural communities.
They reference the visit of the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, to Benue state, where she empowered rural residents and participated in commissioning completed road projects, describing the visit as recognition of ongoing development efforts in the state.
Supporters credit the administration with promoting youth reorientation, discouraging substance abuse, encouraging responsible community living, and advocating social reforms, including measures intended to reduce excessive bride price in parts of the state.
Following recent attacks in Akpachi and Otukpo-Nobi communities, Governor Alia visited the affected areas to sympathise with victims and their families. During the visit, he reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving security and vowed that those responsible for the attacks would be brought to justice.
The governor urged residents to remain vigilant, report suspicious activities promptly to security agencies, and cooperate with authorities. Reiterating his commitment to protecting lives and property, he assured the affected communities that his administration would continue working tirelessly until lasting peace is restored to Benue state.
Fely Manmah,
Abuja