As violent attacks continue to claim lives in Benue State, Governor Hyacinth Alia has warned citizens against resorting to self-defence, saying that desperate actions are not sustainable solutions to the insecurity plaguing the region.
Speaking on AIT’s “Focus Nigeria” programme on Tuesday, the governor stressed that engaging in guerrilla-style confrontations without proper training could lead to even greater casualties and chaos.
“The Constitution allows for self-defence, yes—but to what extent?” he questioned. “You’re unprepared, unarmed, and unfamiliar with guerrilla warfare. That’s a recipe for disaster.”
Alia instead championed community policing as a strategic, structured, and safer approach to security. He explained that mobilizing locals who understand the terrain would be more effective than sending untrained civilians into dangerous confrontations.
“It’s not about picking up sticks, knives, and machetes,” he added. “With community policing, it becomes easier to identify, train, and support those who can help secure their communities.”
Federal Backing & Political Concerns
The governor also revealed that federal support—especially in intelligence gathering—has improved, boosting the chances of tracking and apprehending perpetrators of the attacks.
However, Alia noted that internal political rifts within the state chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) were undermining efforts to secure peace.
“Disunity among party stakeholders is making an already bad situation worse,” he lamented. “Some members are still disgruntled and unwilling to reconcile.”
President Bola Tinubu, according to the governor, has urged APC leaders in the state to bury their differences and work together for the sake of peace and development.
A Clear Stand Against Violence
In conclusion, Governor Alia firmly rejected the notion that “desperate situations require desperate answers.”
“Self-defence may feel like a quick fix, but it’s emotionally driven and poorly thought out. We need solutions, not more casualties,” he said.
