By Michael Dibie
As the insecurity in Benue state, North Central Nigeria lingers, and poses concerns on the people, the National Association of Idoma Security Professionals has appealed to President Ahmed Tinubu to declare a state of emergency on Benue state security and ensure that insecurity is brought to the barest minimum.
The Association who made the appeal in Abuja said this will help to ensure an enabling environment for both local and foreign investors to compete favorably in the region.
The Association also reiterated on the need for an urgent Security Summit in the state and an expanded north central security summit, also a regional security force with an integrated neighborhood watches in every local government of the state.
According to the National Association of Idoma Security Professionals, Comr. Jonathan Onoja Isaac, the uncertainty in Benue today and the threat to lives of the people and visitors is of grave concern to the association.
Recall that in 2016, Fr. John Adeyi, the then Vicar- General of catholic Diocese of Otukpo was kidnapped and killed by gunmen on his way back from mass. Also in April, 2021, another prominent son of Otukpo, Godwin Musa was kidnapped by gunmen in Otukpo. And recently, the assassination of Barrister Mark Ofikwu just at the gate of his house in Otukpo,November this year.
“The herders-farmers clashes alone has killed tons of thousands and have displaced over 395 persons in the state, making it the state with the highest number of internally displaced persons in North central and North west Nigeria,” Isaac said.
He noted that this is not good for a supposed food basket of the nation, as 68% of these internally displaced persons are farmers who should be in their farm lands contributing to the food chain for domestic consumption.
The Association president also called on Benue state governor, Hyacinth Iormen Alia to seriously look into the issue of saboteurs within the brass of his cabinet, adding that some of the youths in the state who are engaged in these acts are being weaponized by some politicians within the state during election.
Also speaking, a security expert in the state, Steven Okwori said the Association has written to the governor but has not received any consideration, he called on the governor to give a listening ear and expand his scope by including experts in the fight against insecurity in the state.
Indigenous youths of Benue state are used for these attacks, it has gone above the Fulanis, they work with them. Before we use to have 100 trucks of yam from Ayate, a community in the state, but today its different,” Okwori added.
He further disclosed that the planned security summit will be held together with traditional leaders in the state and the people to address the issue of small arms in circulation in the state.
“Some vices in the youths of Benue have contributed to these insecurity issues, we intend to work together with the local people to address these issues through the local government heads at the grass root,” said Anthony Utaji, another security expert.
The Association urged the governor to use every means of dialogue, conflict resolution and alternative disputes resolution (ADR) to resolve some of the community crisis in the state to ensure a memorable festive period.
