Don’t arm yourselves – Gov Alia rejects self-defence as killings soar

Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has dismissed calls for citizens to arm themselves for self-defense, insisting that community policing remains the most viable solution to the escalating security crisis in the state.

In an interview on AIT News aired Tuesday, Governor Alia acknowledged that arming oneself might seem like a logical response to the growing insecurity. However, he cautioned that such a move would only heighten the vulnerability of communities already under threat. He said while the idea of self-defense may appear to make “common sense,” allowing emotions and fear to drive such decisions would ultimately do more harm than good.

“I should carry, and I think that would make some very good common sense,” he remarked. “But where you have people who just decide to work up because of sentiments and emotions that are attached to what is happening with us and within us, I think we’re rendering ourselves a bit more vulnerable. So, I wouldn’t advocate for self-defense.”

Governor Alia instead urged residents to continue pressing for community policing, stating that effective security must be rooted in local knowledge and engagement. He maintained that those who live in the communities are best equipped to identify threats and work with authorities to address them.

His comments come amid a resurgence of violent attacks in Benue communities, with suspected herdsmen and armed bandits reportedly killing over 100 people in separate incidents across Gwer West, Ukum, and Guma local government areas in June alone. Witnesses say the attackers often strike in the early morning hours, targeting farming communities, razing homes, and leaving survivors displaced and traumatised.

The Benue State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) estimates that over 1.5 million people remain displaced across the state due to more than a decade of recurring violence. The latest wave of attacks has ignited fresh public outrage, with many communities advocating for self-defense measures, especially in regions where federal security presence is lacking or non-existent.

Several community leaders have voiced support for civilian armament as a last resort. However, Governor Alia’s position underscores a growing divide between state policy and grassroots demands in the face of unrelenting violence.

His remarks also follow a series of recent developments, including a warning from Minister of Special Duties, George Akume, against alleged ethnic cleansing in the state, a visit by the Inspector General of Police to Benue, and strong criticism from former presidential candidate Peter Obi, who slammed the federal government’s handling of the security situation.