Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently approve the creation of state police and an intervention fund to help address the rising wave of deadly violence in the state.
The appeal was made on Wednesday during the President’s visit to Benue to commiserate with the government and victims of the latest round of killings allegedly carried out by armed herders.
Alia said that while the idea of state policing comes with its own set of challenges, it remains a necessary step in tackling insecurity and protecting lives and properties in the state.
“The establishment of state police is key to stemming this tide of violence in Benue. It will empower us to respond swiftly and effectively to security threats,” the governor stated.
He also pressed for a special intervention fund to aid the state in rebuilding affected communities, resettling displaced persons, and restoring normalcy in the wake of widespread destruction.
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President Tinubu, who met with stakeholders including traditional rulers, former governors, and political leaders, had earlier pledged the federal government’s full support in restoring peace to the region. He directed security agencies to intensify operations in affected communities and work closely with local leaders to prevent further bloodshed.
The President’s visit follows a series of coordinated attacks, particularly in Yelwata and nearby communities, that have left dozens dead and thousands displaced.
Calls for urgent action have been growing louder from various quarters, including civil society organisations and prominent figures like music legend Innocent “2Baba” Idibia, who recently declared: “Enough is enough.”