Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia has firmly opposed suggestions for emergency rule in his state, emphasizing that what Benue needs is comprehensive federal backing rather than a declaration of emergency powers. The governor made these remarks during his appearance on Arise Television’s “The Morning Show” on Wednesday.
Governor Alia addressed growing concerns about security challenges in the state, maintaining that the situation remains within his administration’s control despite ongoing difficulties. He expressed confidence in his government’s ability to manage the crisis but stressed that additional federal assistance would be crucial in completely resolving the insecurity plaguing parts of the state.
“What we need is emergency help for now. We need absolute support,” Governor Alia stated during the televised interview. He acknowledged recent federal intervention, noting that “The Federal Government is supported. They sent two armoured tanks that came in. Our situation had changed.”
The governor outlined his administration’s priorities, focusing on the safe return of displaced residents to their communities and the expulsion of armed groups that have infiltrated parts of Benue State. He described these groups as “armed invaders who have brought in people who do not even speak the Nigerian languages we speak,” suggesting foreign elements might be involved in the attacks on Benue communities.
Benue State has long suffered from violent clashes, often characterized as farmer-herder conflicts. These confrontations have resulted in numerous casualties and displaced thousands of residents from their ancestral lands over the past decade. The state, known as Nigeria’s “food basket” due to its agricultural productivity, has seen its farming activities severely disrupted by these security challenges.
Governor Alia emphasized the importance of enabling farmers to return to their lands, stating that his administration’s goal is to “drive out the invaders” and “allow us farmers to go back to our ancestral land.” This approach aligns with his broader economic revitalization plans for the state, which depend significantly on agricultural productivity.
The security situation in Benue represents one of the most pressing challenges for Alia’s administration, which came into power with promises to address the state’s longstanding insecurity issues. While acknowledging the complexity of the situation, the governor remains convinced that a state of emergency is not the solution, categorically stating that “Calling for any emergency does not occur here.”
Security experts have noted that the Benue crisis requires a multifaceted approach that addresses not only immediate security concerns but also underlying issues of resource competition, climate change impacts on traditional grazing routes, and intercommunal tensions. The federal government’s security response strategy in the Middle Belt region has faced criticism for being reactive rather than preventive.
Recent federal interventions, including the deployment of armored vehicles mentioned by Governor Alia, represent steps toward enhancing security infrastructure in the state. However, many analysts suggest that sustainable peace will require more comprehensive measures, including community-based conflict resolution mechanisms and long-term economic development initiatives.
Governor Alia’s position reflects the delicate balance between state autonomy and federal support that characterizes Nigeria’s federal system, particularly in matters of security. While state governors serve as chief security officers of their respective states, the federal government controls the police and military forces needed to address significant security challenges.
The ongoing dialogue between Benue State and federal authorities highlights the complex nature of security governance in Nigeria’s federal structure. As Governor Alia continues to navigate these challenges, his administration’s approach emphasizes collaboration with federal agencies while maintaining the state’s leadership role in addressing the crisis.
For residents of affected communities in Benue, the governor’s assurances provide hope for eventual return to their homes and farms. However, the timeline for achieving sustainable security remains uncertain as both state and federal authorities work to implement effective strategies against armed groups operating in the region.
As Benue State continues its efforts to restore peace and security, Governor Alia’s administration faces the dual challenge of addressing immediate security threats while laying groundwork for long-term stability and economic recovery in communities devastated by years of conflict. The success of these efforts will likely depend on the effectiveness of the federal-state security collaboration that the governor has emphasized as essential to resolving the crisis.
