Gov Alia announces Benue security summit to address insecurity

As part of renewed efforts to combat insecurity and restore lasting peace in Benue State, Governor Hyacinth Alia has announced plans to convene a State Security Summit.

The governor emphasized the urgent need for strategic action, stating that “something must be done immediately” to ensure the safety and well-being of citizens.

Governor Alia made this known during a meeting at the Government House in Makurdi with an advisory team dispatched by the Chief of Defence Staff to assess the security situation in the state. The team, led by Emmanuel Oche, was received by the Chief Security Officer to the Governor.

During the interaction, the governor revealed that the security summit will initially be held at the sub-national level. He also disclosed plans to extend the initiative to cover the entire North Central region, fostering broader collaboration on regional security challenges.

The Defence Headquarters advisory team has so far paid courtesy visits to key traditional and religious leaders in the state, including the Chairman of the State Council of Chiefs, the Tor Tiv, and the Catholic Bishop of Katsina-Ala Diocese.

They also plan to visit the Benue South Senatorial District, where they will engage with the Vice Chairman of the State Council of Chiefs, the Ochi Idoma, as well as other local stakeholders to gain deeper insights into the region’s security dynamics.