Governor Alia Opposes Self-Defence, Champions Community Policing as Solution to Benue's Worsening Insecurity

Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has reiterated the urgent need for the establishment of community policing as a more effective and sustainable solution to the rising insecurity ravaging communities across the state. His remarks come amidst a spate of deadly assaults on villages by armed herders, which have left over 300 people dead in recent weeks.

Appearing on AIT’s popular morning programme Kakaaki on Tuesday, the governor expressed deep concern over the scale and consistency of the attacks, particularly in the Yelewata region, where dozens have lost their lives and entire communities have been displaced. While the emotional toll of the violence is undeniable, Alia maintained a firm stance against the idea of self-defence as a community response to the carnage.

There is growing frustration and desperation among residents, many of whom feel abandoned and helpless in the face of frequent and unprovoked assaults. However, the governor cautioned that taking up arms in retaliation could invite even deadlier consequences. According to him, the resort to self-defence, although emotionally understandable, would only heighten the vulnerability of the already traumatized communities.

“People are angry. They are hurting. It is only natural for some to think about defending themselves in any way possible,” Alia said. “But we must resist that temptation. Resorting to self-defence is not the answer. It may render our communities more open to reprisals and greater loss.”

The attacks have largely been attributed to armed herders, a recurring source of tension in the Middle Belt region, where land and grazing rights often trigger bloody confrontations. Governor Alia did not mince words in laying the blame at their feet, particularly in reference to the violence in Yelewata. He has called for urgent federal intervention to curb the armed incursions.

Still, he believes that localizing the security architecture through community policing represents a smarter, long-term solution to the crisis. He argued that security personnel embedded within their own communities are better placed to detect threats early and respond appropriately, thanks to their deep understanding of local terrain, culture, and behavioral patterns.

“Those who are from within know the environment, they know the people, and they know when something is amiss,” he explained. “Community policing gives us the power to be proactive instead of reactive.”

Governor Alia’s position aligns with growing calls nationwide for decentralizing Nigeria’s policing system, which is currently highly centralized and often criticized for being disconnected from local realities. Under a community policing framework, security would be driven by local knowledge and civilian involvement, with collaboration between residents and law enforcement agencies being central.

While some activists and community leaders in Benue have begun advocating for civilian vigilante groups as a last line of defense, Alia maintained that any such efforts must fall under the umbrella of structured and trained community policing units, rather than ad-hoc self-defense militias.

Security experts also echo the governor’s concerns. Analysts warn that informal armed groups, if not well-coordinated and supervised, could devolve into criminal entities or escalate the already complex conflict dynamics in the region. The line between protection and provocation can be easily blurred, particularly in communities already under psychological siege.

Amid the intensifying crisis, humanitarian needs are growing rapidly. Thousands have fled their homes, seeking refuge in overcrowded IDP camps, where conditions remain dire. The governor said his administration is working with federal and international agencies to scale up support for displaced persons while also pushing for more security deployments to the most affected areas.

Nevertheless, the emotional toll remains heavy. For families who have buried loved ones and watched their homes go up in flames, the governor’s message may be difficult to swallow. Still, he urged patience and unity, assuring citizens that government efforts are ongoing behind the scenes to hold perpetrators accountable and restore peace.

“This is not the time for chaos. It is the time for strategy. The time for resilience. And the time for us to stand together,” Alia concluded.

As Benue State continues to grapple with escalating threats and devastating loss, the road ahead remains uncertain. But one thing is clear: Governor Alia is placing his faith in structured community involvement rather than spontaneous retaliation — a path he believes will eventually lead to lasting security.