Governor Hyacinth Alia has issued a strong call for the immediate establishment of community policing across Benue State, saying local security structures are essential to confront the rising wave of coordinated attacks on rural communities.
Speaking on Politics Today, a Channels Television programme aired on Tuesday,, Alia described recent incursions by armed groups as highly organized and overwhelming.
“Eyewitnesses tell us the terrorists don’t come in small numbers, they come in their hundreds,” the governor said.
“We’re talking about over 200 motorbikes, with three or four armed men on each. That’s not just an attack; that’s an invasion,” he said.
He noted that while there is a growing call for self-defense among residents, the approach must be measured and strategic.
“Yes, there’s a very grave need for defense, including self-defense,” he acknowledged.
“But let’s not be sentimental. We don’t want to end up with more scores of deaths on our hands.”
According to the governor, the best way forward is through structured community policing that empowers trusted locals to secure their areas.
“We should have started yesterday
“We know the right people to bring in at the local level, and this can be managed effectively if we act now,” he added.
Governor Alia emphasized that the traditional security architecture is overstretched and cannot cover the rural depth of Benue State. He called on stakeholders, including traditional rulers, youth groups, and civil society, to support the rollout of grassroots policing initiatives.
“This is no longer a conversation; it’s a necessity,” he said, adding: “We need community policing, and we need it now.”
The state government is expected to announce detailed plans for the implementation of this new approach in the coming days.