This might not be the best of time for some Governors particularly those governing states witnessing renewed attacks leading to wanton loss of lives and destruction of properties.

From Plateau, Borno, Benue, Ondo, Nasarawa, Zamfara, Sokoto, Kebbi, Abia and recently Edo state, it’s been weeks of unnecessary and avoidable bloodletting.

No Nigerian is more ‘Nigerian’ than the other and the law does not entrust in any hands the permission to take another life. Therefore these unjust killings in whatever disguise stands condemned and perpetrators must face the law.

Narrowing down the grief, suspected armed herders recently killed at least 15 people in Katsina Ala Local Government Area of Benue state, invading Utange council ward and proceeding to unleash terror on Kpav, Dikpo, and Imande Gberihwa. The destruction of lives and property worth billions of naira across multiple local government areas in the state shows the scale of devastation these attacks leave in their wake.

While the tragic attacks had earlier ceased particularly since the assumption of office of Governor Hyacinth Alia on May 29, 2023, these renewed attacks therefore should be a worrying concern to any true Benue soil sons and daughters.

However, Gov Alia is not one to fold his hands or trade blames in trying times like this. The Benue State Government under his leadership has among other things, engaged over 5,000 gallant strong men (with a promise of 5,000 more) under ‘the Benue State Civil Protection Guards’. This security outfit, which was inaugurated by the governor on Saturday the 14th of December 2024, and was established to complement the efforts of conventional security agencies in maintaining law and order in the state. The understanding of their terrains and their communities is a key factor in their day-to-day operations. This has restored some degree of sanity and calm in their territories and areas of postings.

To further combat the insecurity challenges, Gov Alia launched operation ‘ANYAM NYOR’. The operation involves an unprecedented combination of security agencies, including the Army, Navy, Airforce, police, DSS, civil defense, and the Benue Civil Protection Guard. This combination has presented a new approach to talking insecurity in the state which is already yielding huge results.

To enhance the effectiveness and real-time response of the security agents and outfits, the governor on the 14th of December 2024 deployed 600 motor bikes and 100 Hilux trucks to the different formations of the security agencies in the state. This has not happened anywhere in the state before now. This, of course speaks to his deep commitment, like none before him and the political will to tackle insecurity in the state without reservation.

To guarantee the permanent return of IDPs to their ancestral homes, which will add to the overall economic development of the state, the governor on January 25, 2025 launched the Benue State Action Plan for Durable Solutions. This action plan aims to provide lasting solutions for internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Benue state, with a focus on safe return to their ancestral homes. The Benue state durable solutions are adjudged by the United Nations as the best and, as a matter of fact, have made it an effective solution plan to be emulated by different regions of the world.

However, obviously terrifying is the cheap attempts by some politicians to play politics with the sanctity of life in the face of raging security challenges nationwide. This is indeed appalling and lowest of the lowest. While politicians will always play their games, however, one expects some level of decorum when innocent lives are involved.

No unrest in Benue, I’m in charge – Gov Alia

This is why attempts by some people to undermine the progress made by Gov Alia’s administration by asking the President Bola Tinubu-led Federal Government declare a state of emergency in the state is dead on arrival.

Recall that the Centre for Judicial Integrity (CJI), had accused the Alia government of attempting to buy off members of the judiciary and therefore sought declaration of a state of emergency.

Governor Alia, through his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, refuted the claims as baseless and unfounded.

He stated that those behind the calls for a state of emergency are disgruntled political elements seeking to destabilize Benue for their selfish interests.

“There is no crisis in Benue State. Governor Hyacinth Alia is fully in charge and committed to good governance,” the statement read.

He urged the people of Benue to disregard the falsehoods being spread by “crisis vendors” and focus on the transformational governance his administration is delivering.

“The call for a “state of emergency” in Benue State is not purely vexatious but also a flagrant display of political opportunism. It is evident that these irritated political operatives are sponsored by unscrupulous factions desperate and eager to capitalize on any situation for their advantage.

“Their motives are clear: to undermine a state that is presently going through effective governance and progress under Governor Alia’s leadership. There is no unrest in Benue State. Gov. Hyacinth Alia is fully in charge and control of the state,” he added.

CSOs declare support

Meanwhile, the Conference of Harmonised Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) has declared support for the Governor while alleging that some highly placed Abuja-based politicians are planning to sponsor protests against him.

In a statement signed by Mr Joseph Uyeh, the coalition accused these politicians of orchestrating attacks on the governor because he refused to give them free rein over state resources.

The group described Alia’s administration as a departure from the past practice of political patronage and money-sharing that benefited select elites.

“Benue State has never been in better hands since the administration of Apollos Aper Aku. Those planning protests against the governor in Abuja should be ashamed and aware of the consequences ahead,” the statement read.

The CSOs defended Alia’s governance and highlighted his focus on economic development, accountability, and the welfare of the people.

They questioned why the alleged sponsors of the protest were not demonstrating in Benue if they had public backing.

“If the governor was performing poorly, why aren’t they protesting in Benue? The fact that he has ensured timely payment of salaries and pensions, revived industries, and executed major infrastructural projects in less than two years debunks their false narrative,” they added.