Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has once again implored residents to remain vigilant and to promptly report any suspicious activity to the appropriate security agencies, declaring that the state is currently under siege.
Speaking on Sunday, 20 April 2025, after Mass at the Chapel of Grace, Government House, Makurdi, Governor Alia underscored that security is a collective responsibility, and urged all residents to actively support efforts aimed at countering the persistent threats.
“If you hear something, say something,” he emphasised. “It will enable security agents to respond swiftly and repel the invaders.”
The governor lamented the escalating attacks across the state, describing them as deliberate and coordinated attempts by armed groups with a clear agenda to displace communities and seize their ancestral lands—a situation he termed “extremely unacceptable.”
“We are under siege as a state. We are under attack. And those who are attacking us must have a face, must have an aim, and must have a drive. They come, they drag people out, they kill to occupy. This is extremely unacceptable,” he said.
Alia also issued a stern warning to politicians allegedly exploiting the worsening security crisis for selfish political advantage, urging them to desist from such acts.
“I invite you politicians to steer clear. Don’t be part of those attacking us. We have some machinery in place to dig deeper, to let us know who is a culprit, who is involved in the destruction of our state,” he stated.
He condemned all forms of criminality in strong terms, asserting that Benue State would not tolerate acts of terror or lawlessness, irrespective of the identity or background of the perpetrators.
According to him, “A terrorist is a terrorist, irrespective of ethnicity or religion. Criminality is criminality.”
Despite the prevailing challenges, Governor Alia encouraged the people of Benue not to lose hope, reaffirming his unwavering commitment to restoring peace across the state.
He drew a poignant parallel between the sacrifice of Christ and the trials presently confronting the state, urging residents to offer prayers for the victims of recent attacks, particularly those who lost their lives during the Holy Week in Ukum and Logo local government areas.
