- By Donald Kumun
Benue State, often dubbed the “Food Basket of the Nation,” currently groans under the suffocating weight of relentless insecurity occasioned on her by the killer herdsmen, terrorists, bandits, advanced, and well serviced criminals. The unprovoked attacks on the poor, defenceless, downtrodden, and marginalized members of the state, have become a daily nightmare, leaving a trail of sorrow, displacement, and deaths.
This dire situation has rightfully become a source of profound concern for the Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, and indeed all well meaning members of the society both within and beyond the State. Every segment of society, from the revered traditional institution, to the diligent local government chairmen, and most acutely, the visionary Governor, His Excellency, Fr. Alia, are deeply concerned about what has befallen our homeland.
Yet, amidst this palpable crisis, a disturbing trend has emerged: a chorus of ill-informed criticism from the opposition, seemingly designed to undermine the concerted efforts of the Governor’s administration rather than contribute to in bringing about a lasting solution.
The depth of this concern was vividly brought to the fore during Governor Alia’s appearance on Channels Television on Friday, June 6, 2025, on POLITICS TODAY. In a candid and poignant interview hosting by the erudite Seun Okinbaloye, the Governor laid bare the menace of insecurity, revealing to the world the harrowing siege on Benue State by terrorists and criminal killer herdsmen.
His words painted a grim picture of communities ravaged, livelihoods destroyed, and innocent lives tragically cut short leaving the state in a situation where it will barely play its traditional role of feeding the nation. He articulated the profound frustration and despair that have gripped the populace, emphasizing the urgent need for a united front against these existential threats.
Moreover, Governor Alia equally x-rayed the layers of interventions made by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the security architecture as well as the major decisions taken by the military and police hierarchy to roll back the menace. The Governor’s address was not merely a lament; it was a call to action and a clear identification of some of the elements and situations that have fuelled the problem, either directly or through their divisive rhetoric. He pointedly alluded to the activities of undesirable elements whose actions, wittingly or unwittingly, exacerbate the already fragile security situation.
The Governor’s allusion to such individuals is not a personal vendetta but a necessary spotlight on those who, rather than offer constructive engagement, have decided to trade in misinformation, disinformation, and attempts to destabilize the state for selfish political gains. Their public utterances and clandestine machinations, serve to muddy the waters, spread panic, and distract from the critical task of restoring peace and order.
It is disheartening, to say the least, to witness the unpatriotic stance adopted by certain critics of the Governor’s administration, including a number of members of the National Assembly representing Benue State. And even those who constituted the immediate past administration in the State. While constructive criticism is an essential pillar of any thriving democracy, what is currently being peddled by these individuals often crosses the line into outright sabotage. Their pronouncements, more often than not, lack a fundamental understanding of the complex security challenges facing the state and the multifaceted strategies being deployed by the government.
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Contextualisation is often at full play. Instead of rallying support for security initiatives, collaborating with state authorities, or lobbying for federal assistance, these critics appear more interested in scoring cheap political points and undermining the Governor’s credibility. This has to stop forthwith.
Their narrative, a frequently dismisses the gravity of the situation, downplays the efforts of the security agencies, or worse, seeks to attribute the insecurity to the current administration, conveniently forgetting the deep-rooted historical context of these conflicts. This kind of ill-informed and politically motivated criticism is not only unhelpful but downright dangerous. It emboldens the perpetrators of violence by creating an impression of disunity and weakness within the state’s leadership. It vainly tries to erode public confidence in the government’s ability to protect its citizens and can inadvertently discourage potential investors and development partners.
Let this message be unequivocally clear to the critics of the Alia administration, including those within the National Assembly: your efforts to frustrate the legitimate and well-intentioned efforts of the constituted authority will not go unaddressed. Benue State is facing an existential threat, and this is not the time for partisan bickering or political grandstanding. The consequences of such divisive actions and tactics are far-reaching and detrimental to the very people you claim to represent. When you sow discord, you reap instability. When you peddle falsehoods, you breed distrust. And when you prioritize political gain over the lives and safety of your constituents, you betray the sacred trust reposed in you.
History will judge those who stood by and offered nothing but cynicism while their state burned. It will also harshly judge those who actively worked to impede progress and frustrate the efforts of those genuinely committed to finding solutions.
The current administration, under the astute leadership of Governor Alia, is working tirelessly, engaging with security agencies at all levels, fostering community-based peace initiatives, and seeking both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches to quell the violence. This requires cooperation, not condemnation; unity, not division.
Whether they like it or not, know it or not, or believe it or not, this current phase of insecurity is a dark chapter in the history of Benue State, but like all dark chapters, it is destined to pass. The resilience of the Benue people is legendary, their spirit unyielding. The commitment of Governor Alia and his administration to restoring peace and normalcy is unwavering. They are not merely reacting to events; they are actively formulating and implementing strategies to secure the state, protect its citizens, and ensure that justice is served.
To the beleaguered masses of Benue State, those who have borne the brunt of these barbaric attacks, be assured: better days are indeed ahead. The government is acutely aware of your suffering during this moment of grief, your losses, and your yearning for peace.
The sleepless nights of the Governor, the traditional rulers (Tor-Tiv and the Och’Idoma), all heads of the security apparatuses in the State, and the Federal Government of Nigeria, under the close watchful eyes of the President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as well as the local government chairmen, are dedicated to finding lasting solutions for peace to be restored in Benue State. The sacrifices being made by security personnel on the front lines are not in vain. This administration, undoubtedly, remains committed to creating an environment where every Benue indigene can live without fear, pursue their livelihoods without apprehension, and contribute to the growth and development of the state.
While the Governor works round the clock to seek help, mobilize security agencies, and foster inter-governmental collaboration, some elements of the opposition — driven by blind ambition, outdated vendettas, and sheer ignorance — have chosen to weaponize this humanitarian crisis for cheap political capital.
The path to lasting peace will be arduous, fraught with challenges, and will require the collective effort of every well-meaning individual. It demands that political differences be set aside in favor of a common purpose: the security and prosperity of Benue State. It is a time for all hands to be on the deck, for empathy and understanding, and for unwavering support for those in leadership positions who are striving to navigate these turbulent waters, than pull Benue State down to collapse, under Governor Alia, amidst his conspicuous achievements, within two years in office. What do you have to bring on board? Don’t do it with levity.
The sun will surely rise again over Benue, and when it does, it will illuminate a State reclaimed from the clutches of insecurity, a testament to the resilience of its people and the resolute leadership that refused to bow to adversity, or be deterred by ill-informed criticism.
- Kumun is the Principal Special Assistant to the Benue State Governor on Print Media, and writes from Makurdi the capital of Benue.
