A prominent community group has urged Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State to declare a security state of emergency following a wave of deadly attacks on local villages, allegedly carried out by armed herdsmen and foreign mercenaries.
The appeal was made by the president of the Zone “A” Peoples’ Assembly (ZAPA), Mr Fanen Mondo, at a press conference in the state capital, Makurdi, on Sunday.
Mondo outlined the growing insecurity across several local government areas, naming Ukum, Katsina-Ala, Kwande, Gwer West, Guma, Apa, and Agatu among the worst affected.
“These are not isolated incidents. They are systematic, organised acts of violence that have left hundreds displaced, families torn apart, and entire communities in mourning,” he said.
The group accused local politicians of choosing silence over action, alleging that political leaders have either downplayed or ignored the attacks for fear of political repercussions.
“This is not the time for political convenience,” Mondo stated. “Benue does not need a quiet governor; it needs a leader who is ready to fight for the survival of his people.”
He called on Governor Alia to publicly challenge the Federal Government to take swift action and to lead the security response himself.
Mondo also called on President Bola Tinubu to demonstrate leadership and solidarity with the people of Benue, who, he noted, gave the president considerable electoral support in 2023.
ZAPA’s demands include the immediate deployment of military forces to the region and the launch of a humanitarian aid operation to assist communities devastated by the violence.
The call reflects broader concerns over Nigeria’s ongoing struggle to contain intercommunal conflict, particularly in the country’s Middle Belt, where farmer-herder tensions have become increasingly deadly.
