Governor Hyacinth Alia has issued a grave warning over the deteriorating security situation in Benue State, stating that the region is under siege by organized terrorist networks and bandit groups.
In a live appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today, the governor emphasized that the scale and nature of the violence gripping the state have surpassed traditional herder-farmer clashes. Instead, he said, the attacks bear the hallmarks of a coordinated and deliberate campaign of terror.
“We are under siege,” Alia declared during the interview. “This is not a random ethnic dispute. It is terrorism—planned, targeted, and executed with precision. These are not ordinary clashes; we are facing highly specialized killers.”
The governor revealed that several local government areas have come under repeated attacks in recent weeks, resulting in numerous casualties and widespread displacement. According to him, intelligence gathered by security agencies has confirmed the strategic nature of the operations, with 60 to 65 percent of the reports proving accurate.
Alia’s comments reflect a growing concern among residents and local authorities who have long called for more robust federal intervention in the region. The governor appealed for urgent and coordinated security efforts to confront the mounting threat.
The situation in Benue adds to the broader national challenge of insecurity, which continues to manifest in various forms across Nigeria, including terrorism, banditry, and communal violence. Alia stressed the need for the federal government to recognize the severity of the threat and take decisive action to prevent further bloodshed.
“This is beyond us alone,” he said. “We need a stronger national response to save our communities from complete devastation.”
