Benue killings: Self defense is necessary, but let’s not be sentimental about it – Gov Alia

Governor Hyacinth Alia has stressed the importance of taking a clear-eyed, strategic approach to security in Benue State, warning against emotional responses to growing calls for self-defense amid persistent attacks on rural communities.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Alia acknowledged the rising pressure on residents to defend themselves but cautioned that such actions must be approached with caution and coordination.

“There is a very grave need for defense, including self-defense,” the governor said. “But let’s not be sentimental about this. We wouldn’t want to have even more scores of deaths on our hands.”

Alia painted a grim picture of the nature of the attacks, describing how eyewitnesses have reported terrorists arriving in large numbers, sometimes in hundreds, riding on motorbikes, with each bike carrying three to four heavily armed individuals.

“This isn’t random violence,” he said. “These are highly coordinated attacks, with hundreds of armed men sweeping into communities. Our people are under siege.”

While acknowledging the frustrations of affected communities, Alia emphasized that the most effective and sustainable response lies in the establishment of community policing frameworks. He argued that empowering local populations with structured, well-managed security systems would help curb the violence and restore order.

“If we put our minds to community policing, we can manage this,” he said. “We know who the right people are in each community. Let’s start now  this is long overdue.”

The governor also hinted at plans to work with stakeholders to develop localized security solutions that reflect the realities on the ground, saying the time for debate has passed.

“This is about survival,” Alia concluded. “Let’s take decisive action, not emotional reactions. Our people deserve to live in peace.”