Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has raised alarm over the worsening security situation in the state, warning that Benue is under siege and steadily losing territory to armed Fulani herdsmen.
Speaking after a mass at the Chapel of Grace, Government House, Makurdi, the governor called on residents to remain vigilant and immediately report any suspicious activity to security agencies.
“Our state is under attack,” Alia said. “Those behind these attacks are not faceless—they have a clear mission to take over our land.”
He stressed the importance of community cooperation in tackling the crisis.
“If you hear something, say something. Timely information can help security personnel respond swiftly and push back these invaders,” he added.
Governor Alia’s remarks underscore growing concern over persistent violence and displacement in several parts of Benue, as communities face continued threats from armed groups.
“We are under siege as a state, and those who are attacking us must have a face, must have an aim, and must have a drive.
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“They come, they drag people out, they kill to occupy. This is extremely unacceptable,” he declared.
He warned politicians who have taken advantage of the security situation to desist, saying it was not the time to do so.
“I invite you politicians to stay clear. Don’t be part of those who are 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.
“A terrorist is a terrorist irrespective of his ethnicity or his religion. Criminality is criminality period! So whoever commits it is a terrorist and he should not be where the living are”, the governor stated.
