Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has dismissed growing calls for self-defense among residents in response to the recent surge in deadly attacks across the state. Instead, he is urging communities to embrace community policing as the most sustainable solution to the persistent insecurity.
Speaking during an interview on AIT News on Tuesday, Governor Alia responded to the latest wave of violence that left over 100 people dead in coordinated assaults across Guma Local Government Area and surrounding communities. He cautioned against emotionally charged reactions, warning that taking up arms could worsen the already fragile security situation.
“I should carry, and I think that would make some very good common sense,” Alia said in a reflective tone. “But where you have people who just decide to work 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-defense.”
Instead, the governor doubled down on the need for community-driven security initiatives, emphasizing that local knowledge is key to tackling threats effectively.
“I would encourage us all to keep calling for community policing because it’s the only way,” he stated. “It’s only people from within the state and the local government who would understand what is going on with them.”
His remarks come amid mounting national outrage following a reported massacre by suspected armed herders over a two-day period. Local leaders fear the actual death toll may exceed current estimates.
In the wake of the carnage, civil society groups and political figures — including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar — have called for decisive government action, justice for victims, and a possible declaration of a state of emergency.
Governor Alia noted that external security operatives often lack the nuanced understanding of the terrain and the local dynamics required to mount an effective response, reinforcing his call for homegrown solutions.
The governor’s appeal for calm and structured community engagement reflects both the urgency and complexity of the security crisis plaguing Benue State, as citizens await concrete steps from federal authorities.
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