His Excellency Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia was inaugurated in may 2023 as executive governor of Benue state. Like many aspects of the state’s affairs, he met a huge security deficit with 12 to 15 years of consistent instability as a result of persistent clashes and attacks. As a matter of fact, records have it that the state was one of the most hit by the spades of insecurities. In line with his promise to the state, the Governor took drastic measures to restore peace to the Benue valley to pave way for proper development and even though the state has not attained the desired peace Governor Alia has in mind, the state is definitely not where it used to be.
1. The executive governor inaugurated the Benue State Civil Protection Guards, a security outfit aimed at complementing conventional security operatives in tackling insecurity within the state. This is aimed at making the communities own their own security as the guards are members of the local communities. This move demonstrates the administration’s commitment to ensuring the safety of its citizens. The guards, numbering 5,000 personnel, were launched alongside the unprecedented donation of 100 vehicles and 600 special combatant motorcycles to enhance their operations
2. As part of the administration’s efforts to address insecurity in the state, the Governor launched Operation Anyam Nyor. The operation focuses on specific security challenges, such as banditry, kidnapping and communal clashes and is made up of the Police, the Army, the Airforce, the DSS, the Civil Defense the navy and other security agencies. This has significantly changed the security narrative in the state.
3. The executive governor of Benue State has also introduced the peace talks initiative at the Sankera Axis which involves the church and the traditional stools. This initiative is no doubt yielding alot of results and even though there are pockets of sporadic attacks here and there, relative peace has been restored and there is hope for better things ahead as a result of the stakeholder engagement in that region.
4. The Benue State Action Plan for Durable Solutions is another master stroke by His Excellency, Rev Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia. It is a comprehensive strategy aimed at addressing the root causes of insecurity, displacement, and humanitarian crises in the state. This plan involves collaboration with federal agencies, international organisations, and local stakeholders to provide sustainable solutions to the state’s security challenges. The aim is to ultimately return the IDPs to their ancestral homes. It addresses insecurity, social amenities and permanent homes for relocation of the displaced.
5. The Alia administration has since inception being working very closely with security agencies and the Federal Government to ensure the safety of lives and property in Benue State. This collaboration is crucial in addressing the state’s security challenges, which often require a multi-faceted approach. This is bearing in mind that Governor Alia’s administration is guided by a seven-point development agenda, which includes security of lives and property, industrialization, trade and investment, human capital and social development, care for the environment, information and communications technology, and civil service and local government systems reform. This agenda demonstrates the administration’s commitment to holistic development and security
6. Governor Alia also hosted the leadership of the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue (HD) to foster peace and reconciliation in the state. This move demonstrates his commitment to finding lasting solutions to the state’s peace challenges.
By and Large, His Excellency Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia is working round the clock to ensure the safety of lives and property. His administration has made significant strides in restoring peace in Benue State and the Governor has certainly shown uncommon commitment to ensuring the safety and security of Benue citizens and although we are not where he intends to take us to, we are definitely no longer where we used to be.
– Solomon Iorpev Technical Adviser to the Benue State governor on media, publicity and Strategic communication
