NAISP urges Tinubu to declare state of emergency in Benue, tells Alia to resign

The National Association of Idoma Security Professionals (NAISP) has called for the immediate resignation of Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia and his deputy, Dr Sam Ode, over what it described as the government’s failure to protect lives and property amid the spate of deadly attacks in parts of the state.

Addressing a world press conference in Abuja on Tuesday, NAISP President, Comrade Jonathan Onoja, accused the Benue State Government of failing in its constitutional responsibility to safeguard citizens, following fresh attacks on Akpachi, Otukpo Nobi and Ondo Ugboju communities in Otukpo Local Government Area.

According to Onoja, the three attacks, which occurred within 72 hours, claimed more than 18 lives, displaced thousands of residents and left several others injured.

“Ugboju has also come under attack again. Properties have been destroyed and thousands of people displaced,” he said.

He alleged that the response of the Benue State Government under Governor Alia and Deputy Governor Sam Ode had been “grossly inadequate.”

“The National Association of Idoma Security Professionals convened this press briefing to clearly state our position that the Benue State Government has failed in its constitutional duty under Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution,” Onoja said.

The association consequently demanded the immediate resignation of Governor Alia and his deputy.

“We therefore demand the immediate resignation of Governor Hyacinth Alia and his deputy, Dr Sam Ode,” he declared.

NAISP also urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in Benue State to address the worsening security situation.

“We call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately declare a state of emergency in Benue State,” Onoja said.

The association further called for the immediate deployment of military and other security personnel to Ado Local Government Area and other identified flashpoints to prevent further attacks.

It also demanded the arrest and prosecution of all those responsible for the killings, including their alleged sponsors and informants.

“We demand the immediate arrest and prosecution of the perpetrators, sponsors and informants. No more press conferences without handcuffs. We need action,” Onoja stated.

NAISP described the repeated attacks as coordinated attempts to displace communities in Idoma land, warning that the humanitarian situation in affected areas was deteriorating.

The association criticised the state’s response to victims, arguing that relief efforts had fallen short of what was required. It urged both the federal and state governments to provide emergency humanitarian assistance, medical supplies, food and adequate security for displaced persons.

While extending its condolences to families of those killed, NAISP called on the Federal Government to act decisively to restore peace in Benue State and prevent further loss of lives.