By Divine Sam
Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has reiterated his call for the implementation of community policing as the most effective response to the wave of violent attacks plaguing the state.
Speaking on AIT’s Kakaaki programme on Tuesday, Governor Alia cautioned communities against taking up arms in self-defence, warning that such actions could expose them to greater danger.
Benue has been experiencing a surge in deadly assaults, especially in the Yelewata region, where suspected armed herders have reportedly killed more than 300 residents in recent times.
While acknowledging the pain and frustration of affected communities, Alia stressed the importance of coordinated, local security efforts over spontaneous, emotional reactions.
“But where you have people who just decide to wake up because of sentiments and emotions that are attached to what is happening with us and within us, I think we are rendering ourselves a bit more vulnerable so I wouldn’t advocate for self-defence,” he said.
Governor Alia emphasized that only locals, through community policing, can effectively monitor and respond to the security challenges in their areas.
“It’s only people from within the state and local government who would understand what is going on with them,” he added.
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