Controversy Erupts As Benue Governor Opposes Citizens Defending Themselves

Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia, reacting to the recent spate of deadly attacks, emphasized on Tuesday that community policing is the most effective solution to the ongoing security challenges, rather than arming civilians.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Speaking during an interview on AIT News, Alia addressed the widespread outrage following the massacre of over 100 people across Guma and surrounding local government areas by suspected armed herders.

While expressing deep concern over the public’s grief and anger, the governor warned against reactionary calls for self-defense, cautioning that such measures could worsen the already dire situation.

“I could choose to carry arms, and it might seem like common sense,” Alia admitted. “But when actions are driven solely by emotions and sentiments, we risk making ourselves even more vulnerable. That’s why I do not support the idea of self-defense.”

Instead, he advocated for a robust, homegrown security strategy rooted in community policing. According to him, local security personnel—being familiar with their terrain and people—are better positioned to understand and respond to threats effectively.

“The only workable solution is community policing,” he said. “Only those within the affected communities can truly grasp the nuances and dynamics of the security situation.”

Governor Alia further noted that external forces often lack the contextual understanding required to preempt or quickly respond to attacks in remote areas.

His remarks come in the wake of a coordinated two-day assault that claimed over 100 lives. Local sources warn that the actual death toll may be significantly higher.