Amid the wave of violence in the governor of Benu State, Governor Rev. Hyacinth Alia called on the federal government to provide full support instead of declaring a state of emergency.
Speaking on Wednesday, April 23, Arise Television’s “Morning Show” he stressed that his government could restore peace, but needed additional resources and coordination in Abuja.
Aria recalled that the federal government had provided two armored tanks, which greatly improved local security. “Our situation has changed, but we still need urgent assistance to expel armed invaders – killer herders who speak foreign languages and don’t have here. Let them return to their source so that our farmers can safely return to their ancestral lands.”
The governor rejected the advice that the crisis could not be controlled, pointing to a significant reduction in affected areas: “The number of local government areas we will be attacked from 17 to six to six. This proves that we can do that. What we need now is help – and that’s a fact.”
Alia urged the federal government to focus on tangible support – trade, logistics and intelligence, rather than symbolic measures.
“What we need is absolute support,” he concluded. “A call for an emergency cannot solve the problem – coordinated action will.”
