Benue Insecurity Worsens as Governor Alia Accused of Abandoning Security Agencies Group says neglect is fueling renewed killings in the state

By David Odama

Fresh fears are rising over the possible escalation of insecurity in Benue State following allegations that Governor Hyacinth Alia has abandoned both federal and state security outfits operating in the state.

The Benue Community Security Forum claims that the governor’s alleged lack of commitment to security agencies — including the state-backed Operation Anyam Nyor — has triggered a resurgence of killings and guerrilla-style attacks in parts of the state.

In a joint statement signed by its President, Dr Emmanuel Terna, and National Secretary, Mrs Justina Iorpuu, the Forum accused the governor of failing to provide essential logistical and welfare support to security personnel.

> “There is no fuel, no logistics for patrol, and no food in their camps. Apart from federal security agencies receiving support from the federal government, Benue State would have gone back to square one,” the statement read.

The group alleged that Operation Anyam Nyor has become almost inoperative, with personnel unable to gather intelligence or protect residents effectively. Many operatives, it said, now linger on federal highways collecting bribes from motorists to survive. Even federal agencies, the Forum added, are frustrated after repeated unsuccessful attempts to get assistance from the state government.

According to the statement, allowances and stipends for operatives have been withheld for over a month, leaving them demoralised and vulnerable.

A senior security officer, speaking anonymously, confirmed the situation:

> “We are tired of appealing to the state authorities to release funds for allowances and fuel. As usual, we got no response from the state government. These men are hungry and agitated. How can people who left their families for an operation be left to starve? If the governor is no longer interested in the operation, he should disband it so we can return to our respective units.

> “What if the criminal herders start offering them money? A hungry man has less integrity.”

The Forum’s findings also indicate that local vigilante groups — critical in providing intelligence to security agencies — face similar neglect.

> “We wonder why the governor would abandon such a noble security initiative midway. We appeal to him to quickly address this challenge because it is not yet uhuru,” the statement concluded.