Niger State Declares Curfew Amid Security Crisis as 11 Killed in Fresh Benue Attack
Minna & Makurdi | April 20, 2025 — As Nigeria grapples with surging insecurity, Niger State Governor Umaru Bago has imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew in Minna, the state capital, following a series of deadly attacks and escalating criminal activity.
Simultaneously, Benue State was once again plunged into mourning after 11 residents of Afia community in Ukum Local Government Area were reportedly killed by suspected herdsmen. The renewed attacks have intensified calls for sweeping security reforms, including the creation of state police forces.
At a high-level security meeting with traditional leaders and security officials, Governor Bago vowed to lead operations targeting criminal hideouts across Minna. He emphasized that motorcycles and tricycles—locally known as “Okada” and “Keke”—have become tools in the hands of criminals and may be banned in certain areas.
“No government will watch its people die in the hands of criminals. Any house sheltering criminals will be demolished,” Bago said.
He added that only emergency services would be exempted from the curfew and warned parents to closely monitor their children, stressing that the state would not tolerate thuggery or criminality.
Meanwhile, in Benue State, 11 villagers were killed in a dawn raid on Afia by armed attackers. Ter Ukum, HRH Iyorkaa Kaave, revealed the victims were ambushed while asleep, and that more casualties may still be uncovered.
National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu, during a visit to Makurdi, expressed condolences and assured Benue residents of ongoing efforts to crush the perpetrators. “Evil will be defeated,” he stated.
Benue Governor Hyacinth Alia condemned the wave of attacks which, according to him, have left over 70 dead in recent weeks, primarily in the Sankera axis. He described the attacks as “deliberate and under-reported,” revealing the state has set up 17 IDP camps and procured 100 patrol vehicles and 600 motorcycles to bolster local security.
In a bold move, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Plateau State chapter, called on the Federal Government to permit states to establish independent police forces. Leah Hassan, chairperson of NBA Jos branch, criticized federal inaction and described the violence as “a direct assault on the rule of law and human dignity.”
Echoing the call for decentralization of security, Afenifere and PANDEF both declared the Federal Government “overwhelmed.” PANDEF spokesperson High Chief Anabs Sara-Igbe also criticized the selective enforcement of state of emergency declarations.
Meanwhile, SDP’s 2023 presidential candidate, Prince Adewole Adebayo, slammed President Tinubu for “failing to take governance seriously,” attributing the widespread insecurity to federal complacency. He announced plans to run again in the 2027 presidential elections, vowing to prioritize national security.
In a significant policy shift, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun has ordered the withdrawal of MOPOL officers deployed for non-core or unauthorized duties. The move aims to strengthen the operational capacity of the Police Mobile Force, which was originally designed for rapid emergency response.
As pressure mounts from civil society and regional leaders, the demand for immediate and decisive security action has never been louder.
