In a disturbing turn of events, Benue State in Nigeria is facing a severe crisis as Governor Hyacinth Alia has sounded the alarm, stating that the state is under attack by terrorists and bandits. This declaration comes on the heels of a surge in violent attacks across the state, resulting in significant loss of life and widespread fear among the populace.
The governor’s statement, made during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today, underscored the severity and organized nature of these attacks. According to Governor Alia, the intelligence gathered suggests that these are not mere clashes between herders and farmers, as previously thought, but rather well-planned and executed acts of terrorism. He emphasized, “We are under siege. The way these attacks come and the intel we receive, it is a directed calibrated plan and then executed.” This statement highlights the sophisticated and deliberate nature of the violence, distinguishing it from the traditional herder-farmer conflicts that have plagued the region for years.
Governor Alia, a Catholic priest-turned-politician, pointed out that the accuracy of the intelligence received has been remarkably high, with about 60 to 65 percent of the intel received proving to be accurate. This level of precision in planning and execution, he believes, is indicative of terrorism rather than random or spontaneous acts of violence. Furthermore, the governor expressed concern over the failure to apprehend any of the perpetrators, who seem to operate with impunity, striking under the cover of night and disappearing without a trace.
The most recent attack, which occurred on the Makurdi–Naka road on Friday evening, has left several persons feared dead and many more injured. This incident is part of a broader pattern of violence that has gripped the state, with suspected armed herdsmen being implicated in the attacks. The governor’s acknowledgement of the terrorist dimension to these attacks marks a significant shift in understanding the conflict, suggesting that the situation is more complex and dangerous than previously acknowledged.
As the situation in Benue State continues to deteriorate, the need for effective and immediate action to protect the lives and properties of the citizens cannot be overstated. The declaration by Governor Alia underscores the urgency and gravity of the situation, calling for a concerted effort from all stakeholders to address the root causes of this violence and to bring those responsible to justice. In the face of such blatant acts of terrorism, it is imperative that the Nigerian government, alongside international partners, takes robust measures to ensure the security and stability of the region, preventing further loss of life and restoring peace to the beleaguered state.
