In recent years, Nigeria has been grappling with a surge in insecurity, particularly in the form of terrorist attacks, banditry, and herdsmen-farmer conflicts. A growing narrative suggests that these security challenges are not merely the result of internal factors, but are also fueled by external forces. This narrative posits that certain individuals and groups, are sponsoring or supporting these security threats to destabilise certain regions for political reasons.
Proponents of this narrative point to several factors, including the sophistication of weaponry used by militant groups and the coordination of attacks. They argue that these factors point to sponsorship. Security by its nature is very complex. There is no ABC of how to tackle insecurity as different situations require different approaches. As a matter of fact, tackling insecurity requires a multifaceted approach that involves government, civil societies, and individuals. It therefore makes things worse when these complexities are intertwined and / or backed by sponsors, known or unknown.
Benue State, like many other states in the country, has had its fair share of attacks. For over a decade now, Benue state has witnessed numerous attacks by Fulani herdsmen, resulting in significant loss of life and property. The coming on board of His Excellency, Rev. Fr. Dr Hyacinth Iormem Alia, in the past one year and a few months, has brought some relief and to a large extent, relative peace is now being enjoyed in most parts of the state. This is not denying the fact that there are sporadic attacks here and there, which of course, even though not giving excuses, is the general trend across the country.
There is no ABC of tackling insecurity, and neither is there a magic wand to solve the issues. Insecurity requires tact, focus, and dedication. It also requires the cooperation and collaboration of one and all. In pursuance of the restoration of peace in Benue state Governor Alia has among other things, engaged over 5,000 gallant strong men (with a promise of 5,000 more) under ‘the Benue State Civil Protection Guards’. This security outfit, which was inaugurated by the governor on Saturday the 14th of December 2024, and was established to complement the efforts of conventional security agencies in maintaining law and order in the state. Their understanding of their terrains and their communities is a key factor in their day-to-day operations. This has restored some degree of sanity and calm in their territories and areas of postings.
His Excellency has also launched operation ‘ANYAM NYOR’. The operation involves an unprecedented combination of security agencies, including the Army, Navy, Airforce, police, DSS, civil defense, and the Benue Civil Protection Guard. This combination has presented a new approach to talking insecurity in the state which is already yielding huge results.
To enhance the effectiveness and real-time response of the security agents and outfits, his excellency on the 14th of December 2024 deployed 600 motor bikes and 100 Hilux trucks to the different formations of the security agencies in the state. This has not happened anywhere in the state before now. This, of course speaks to his deep commitment, like none before him and the political will to tackle insecurity in the state without reservation.
To guarantee the permanent return of IDPs to their ancestral homes, which will add to the overall economic development of the state, the governor on January 25, 2025 launched the Benue State Action Plan for Durable Solutions. This action plan aims to provide lasting solutions for internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Benue state, with a focus on safe return to their ancestral homes. The Benue state durable solutions are adjudged by the United Nations as the best and, as a matter of fact, has made it an effective solution plan to be populated by different regions of the world.
However, more needs to be done to ensure that the state is safe and secure for all citizens. All the aforementioned and more are all the efforts of one man, the governor. But it is common knowledge that tackling insecurity is not a one-man job. It requires the contribution of one and all. It is the collective responsibility every member of society. Every stakeholder has a role to play.
This is where the deafening silence of the critical stakeholders who are opportune to occupy very high offices in this administration at the national level is been questioned. With all the efforts been made daily by the governor to return the state to a place of perfect peace, what is the contribution of those who have the ears of the president at the national level. Security is a collective responsibility and each one must play a role. Senators are elected to represent their zones, while reps are to represent their federal constituencies. If each of these people played their parts and raise motions to support the governor in his efforts rather than point a finger at him, Benue will certainly be better of it.Truth is, politicians, have been criticized for their seemingly deafening silence and inactions on the issue of insecurity in the state. The silence and inaction of these critical stakeholders on the state of insecurity is puzzling, considering the importance of peace in the food basket state.
Chief Mrs. Mimi Orubibi, wrote: ‘… I also appreciate the bold stance taken by other catholic Bishops who have spoken out against these gruesome killings, drawing the Governor’s attention to them and urging him to take action. Moreover, I urge the Secretary to the Government of the Federation to break his silence on these killings in his home state and bring them to the President’s attention, so that the Presidency can condemn these heinous acts and work with the state governor to put an end to the violence in Benue state. Your silence has been unsettling, and it is time to speak out for your people…” Chief Orubibi has indeed made very valid points. With a critical stakeholder like the SGF, distinguished Sen. Dr. George Akume, who himself has been a governor of this state and is currently serving at the highest level in the Tinibu led administration, Benue should not be crying of insecurity. We recall what influence his predecessor, Boss Mustapha wielded to bring things to his home state. It is essential at this stage to engage in an open and honest discussion about the possible role the SGF could and should play in the life of the Benue people in times like this.
By leveraging his position, the SGF can among other things, Facilitate Federal Support by coordinating Federal agencies like the military, police and intelligence services to enhance security and compliment the efforts of the governor especially that the control of these forces lies with the federal government. The SGF is in a position to advocate for and secure federal funding to support security initiatives and development projects in Benue, which can help address the root causes of insecurity.
The SGF can provide counsel to the President on security matters affecting Benue, ensuring that the state’s concerns are taken into account in national security policy decisions. He can also contribute to the development of national security strategies that address the specific challenges facing Benue state. He can also foster partnerships between Benue State and federal agencies, as well as other stakeholders, to enhance security cooperation and coordination. The SGF can also provide support for state-led security initiatives, such as the Benue State Civil Protection Guards, and help amplify their impact. Perhaps the loudest silence by the SGF is emanating from his capacity to support the peacebuilding efforts by the state governor, HE governor Alia in Benue state, including initiatives aimed at addressing the root causes of conflict and promoting social cohesion.
These and many more could be reasons the Benue people have begun to express concern over the deafening silence by the SGF. During the last administration, Sen. Dr. George Akume did not agree with the then governor, Dr Samuel Ortom over the causes of insecurity in the state. He accused Dr Ortom of orchestrating mischief and was even alleged to have said, the people were killing themselves. One wonders if the elder statesman still feels the same way, which is more or less influencing his reluctance in leveraging his position and influence to play his role in curbing insecurity in Benue and promoting peace and stability in the state.
In a related development, the Coalition for Civil Societies in Nigeria and Advocates of Social Justice a few days ago sent an SOS message to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR to rein in some erring politicians at the federal level whom they accused of sponsoring crisis in the state with a view to instigating him to declare a state of emergency in Benue state. The group said the wave of pockets of killings in the state in recent times, after the relative peace attained by the governor, is a result of a political power play. They said some dishonorable members of the society have constituted themselves as enemies of the state and are willing to do anything to pull down the state government and by extension, Nigeria. The coalition expressed worry that people who were elected to represent and serve the masses are the ones killing them indirectly, just to score cheap political points.
This raises a lot of concern and speaks further to the sponsorship of insecurity and the deafening silence of some elected members. The people in this school of thought postulate a lot of theories for this silence, but foremost is the thought that; they are either sponsors, or benefactors or they have other concerns better than those they have been voted to represent. Others are said to be afraid or intimidated by those sponsoring or supporting these insecurities. What then qualifies you to represent your people if you can’t stand up for them.
As a Legislator one must understand the significance of one’s role to his people and in this case one’s part in curbing insecurity in the state. A Legislator should first and foremost be concerned about enacting laws that address specific security challenges in their states. They can also play a critical role in the amendment of existing laws to make them more effective in addressing security challenges, such as laws related to terrorism or kidnapping. Their oversight function of conducting hearings to investigate security challenges and holding government agencies accountable for their actions is also a very important one.
One thing the Legislator must not forget is that he must represent the interests of his constituents and advocate for their security needs which in this case will include advocating for funding for security initiatives and programs in their states.
Legislators are meant to engage with communities and develop solutions that address their needs, support community-led initiatives and programs aimed at promoting security and peace, collaborate with security agencies to develop effective security strategies and policies unique to their environment and partner with other stakeholders, especially the chief security officer of their state, to promote security and peace.
By playing these roles, legislators can contribute to curbing insecurity in their states and promoting peace and stability.
On the whole, it is imperative for all stakeholders, elected and appointed alike, rather than accuse governor Alia of inability to handle security in the state, perhaps face their roles squarely and play their parts effectively which is as important in the equation of tackling insecurity in the state like any other. The governor is playing his role, its about time they played theirs and put a stop to this suspicious deafening silence.
– Solomon Iorpev Technical Adviser to the Benue State Governor on Media, Publicity and Strategic Communication.
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