Benue Governor Alia urges President Tinubu to create a state police force and special intervention fund after deadly attacks leave dozens dead and thousands displaced

[dropcap]B[/dropcap]enue State Governor Hyacinth Alia has renewed calls for sweeping security reforms and the creation of a special federal intervention fund, following the latest round of brutal attacks that left dozens dead and thousands displaced in the troubled North-Central state.

Also read: UAD calls for Tinubu, Alia to resign over Benue massacre

Speaking during President Bola Tinubu’s condolence visit to Makurdi on Wednesday, the governor used the opportunity to raise urgent demands aimed at halting the tide of bloodshed.

With entire communities in ruins and rural livelihoods shattered, Alia described the current situation as dire and appealed to the Federal Government to take concrete action beyond expressions of sympathy.

“While we continue to mourn our losses and rebuild from the ashes of pain, we humbly urge the Federal Government to consider establishing a special intervention fund for communities affected by these incessant attacks in Benue State,” he said during a stakeholders’ meeting in the state capital.

He explained that such a fund would help facilitate the rehabilitation of displaced persons, reconstruction of essential infrastructure, and the economic revival of farming communities devastated by repeated invasions.

Calling for decentralised policing, Alia pressed further on a long-debated national issue—state police.

Let me also reiterate my firm support for the establishment of state police as a sustainable solution to the persistent insecurity in our state.

While he acknowledged that concerns exist around its potential misuse, the governor made a strong case for its establishment, arguing that a state-controlled policing system could offer a more tailored and responsive approach to the unique security challenges facing regions like Benue.

“I believe the Federal Government can address these concerns by setting clear state-specific guidelines and regulatory frameworks,” he added.

President Tinubu’s visit included a stop at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital, where he met with victims of the attacks.

His presence, Alia noted, brought emotional relief and a renewed sense of hope to a people battling despair.

“Your visit rekindles our hope and energizes all of us to continue treading the path for peace and loving each other,” Alia told the gathering at the Government House.

Also read: President Tinubu reroutes to Benue amid escalating crisis, shifts Kaduna visit

As the calls grow louder for both financial aid and structural security reforms, expectations now rest on Abuja to demonstrate political will and act in a manner that reflects the urgency on the ground.