Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu expressed conflicting views on the security situation in Benue State, where a wave of violent attacks has claimed 83 lives in five days. Governor Alia described the state as “under relentless siege” by terrorists, while Ribadu maintained that no part of Nigeria is under the control of non-state actors.
The disagreement came as fresh attacks continued in the Sankera axis, comprising Ukum, Katsina-Ala, and Logo local government areas. On Tuesday, armed assailants struck Afia community in Ukum LGA, killing 11 people. The traditional ruler of Ukum, Chief Orkaa Kaave, confirmed the latest casualties while addressing Ribadu, who was in the state on President Bola Tinubu’s directive to assess the crisis.
Governor Alia, speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, insisted the attackers were not Nigerians, citing their unfamiliar language and weaponry. “These people speak a different kind of Hausa, carry AK-47s, and exhibit foreign traits. Intelligence suggests they may be from Mali or other neighboring countries,” he said. He also raised concerns about porous borders with Cameroon and terrorist hideouts in Taraba and Nasarawa states.
Despite acknowledging security challenges, Ribadu downplayed the severity, stating that no Nigerian territory is under insurgent control. Governor Alia, however, emphasized the need for urgent federal intervention, revealing that the state had purchased 100 Hilux vehicles and 600 motorcycles to support security operations.
The violence, which began last Thursday, has displaced thousands and devastated local communities. Alia lamented the destruction of Sankera, Benue’s agricultural heartland, calling the attacks “coordinated and calculated.” He urged stronger federal action, saying, “We need help—like yesterday.”
