Benue Accuses Security Agencies Of Belated Response To Killings

Benue State deputy governor Benson Abounu has described the response of security agencies to the simultaneous attacks and killings of farmers in the state as reactionary rather than proactive, saying it is medicine after death.

The deputy governor who made the lamentation after the state security council meeting in Makurdi explained that the response by security operatives during invasions is reactionary because it is after the harm had been done that security operatives will arrive at the scene which to him is medicine after death.

Abounu who also raised the alarm over massive influx of herdsmen into the state after the 2023 general election leading to high increase of attacks and killings in communities across the state, called for collaborative efforts by all and sundry in the fight against insecurity.

He said, “To this end the Security Council during its meeting to strategize on better ideas to restore peace in the state have come up with the five major resolutions which includes to encourage community members to be watchful and provide security surveillance in their areas and transmit information to the relevant authorities.

“The council also resolved that security operatives should lay more emphasis on the prevention of the attacks rather than the reactionary approach.

“That the Benue State government should make provision for satellite phones and internet based communication radios/gadgets, especially to the communities where there are no mobile communication networks to enhance quick transmission of information to the security operatives.

“All stakeholders should note that the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law is still in existence in the state and all must respect this fact and abide by the law.

“That all the stakeholders, especially the law enforcement agents should show sincerity in the implementation/enforcement of the Anti-Open Grazing Law currently in place in the state.”