Benue killings: Gov Alia commends FG, US for security interventions

Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia expressed gratitude to the Federal Government and the United States for their efforts in addressing the security challenges faced by Benue and other North-Central states. Alia, speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily, described these interventions as "very helpful." However, he emphasized the need for increased cooperation among the region's states to effectively tackle the security issues.

Alia stressed that governments should shift from merely reacting to attacks and instead focus on identifying perpetrators and preventing violence before it occurs. He noted that a coordinated strategy among security agencies and governments is crucial instead of isolated efforts. Alia also called for unity among North-Central states, emphasizing that attacks in one part of the region could impact others.

He highlighted the economic potential of the region but acknowledged that insecurity continues to hinder its development. The governor commended the Federal Government for deploying additional military formations and security personnel to affected areas, praising the United States for their impactful intervention. Alia revealed that a newly approved military division would oversee Benue, Kogi, and Nasarawa states, with its headquarters in Makurdi.

He stated that security reinforcements would extend to communities repeatedly targeted by attacks, with battalions stationed in those areas and additional units in various locations. Alia addressed the controversy surrounding the classification of the killings as Christian genocide, acknowledging that while there was agreement on the scale of the violence, there were differing views on the specific term to use.