Daniel Otera
Amid escalating violence and grief in parts of Benue State, Governor Hyacinth Alia has firmly dismissed calls for emergency rule, describing recent advocacy by a prominent legal figure as politically motivated and detached from current security realities. This comes as women in Apa Local Government Area led a rare grassroots protest, accusing federal troops of complicity in deadly attacks that have left dozens dead in recent weeks.
The latest wave of violence has revived fears about the state’s stability. In the space of a week, more than 40 persons were killed across Apa, Agatu, and Gwer West LGAs, with survivors pointing fingers at suspected armed herders. Despite the federal deployment of troops under Operation Whirl Stroke, affected communities insist the attacks are becoming bolder and bloodier.
A petition dated 2 June and signed by Professor Sebastine Hon (SAN) urged President Bola Tinubu to declare a state of military emergency in Benue. Citing what he described as “a breakdown of order,” Hon faulted Governor Alia for what he characterised as a lax response to the attacks and accused him of dismissing violence as mere “skirmishes.”
But the state government swiftly countered these claims. In a statement signed by the governor’s spokesperson, Sir Kulas Tersoo, the administration described Hon’s position as “hypocrisy and shallowness.”
“The governor has implemented several proactive security measures, including community policing, establishment of new outposts, and support for local vigilantes,” the statement read.
It further criticised Hon’s decision to write the president and security chiefs while allegedly placing blame for federal lapses solely on the state government.
While political tensions simmer, scenes from the ground paint a picture of despair and rising frustration. On Tuesday, dozens of women under the banner Voice of the Hopeless Women staged a protest in Ugbokpo, the administrative headquarters of Apa LGA. They held placards reading “Enough is Enough” and “We are now widows not by choice.”
The protest letter delivered by the women accused military operatives stationed in their communities of complicity.
“We have been triggered by their entrance into our farms, homes, and rooms to kill and destroy our children, husbands, and loved ones,” the letter stated.
The women also demanded the withdrawal of federal troops, alleging the attacks often occur near army formations without any intervention.
A local APC chieftain and lawyer, Ada Ocholi, backed the women’s call, stating, “There were instances when soldiers just looked away anytime these armed herders attacked our people.”
As pressure mounts, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oloyede, has temporarily relocated to Benue in what the state government has described as a “message of hope.”
His arrival came barely 48 hours after the most recent attacks in Gwer West and Apa LGAs. Governor Alia hosted the Army Chief in Makurdi, alongside traditional rulers and security chiefs, where he expressed confidence in the federal response.
Despite this, concerns remain. The Agan Community in Makurdi, attacked on May 29, is still reeling from losses. Likewise, villages such as Naka and Edikwu-Ankpali recorded fatal assaults as recently as June 1, with little indication of improved protection.
While federal authorities have increased surveillance in other parts of Nigeria using drones and fighter jets, residents and local advocates say Benue has not received similar priority.
Professor Hon, in his petition, questioned why communities under sustained siege remain without significant aerial or technological intervention.
Meanwhile, the LG Chairman of Apa, Adams Ocheiga, declined to confirm the protest or provide a response. “I’m not in the council and not in the mood to speak with journalists now,” he said in a phone call.
As both federal and state actors continue to trade blame over the handling of the conflict, the suffering communities in Benue remain caught in the middle. With security architecture still under strain and confidence in protection forces waning, public patience appears to be reaching its limits.
