Benue State has been plagued by recurring violent attacks, kidnappings, and killings, often attributed to armed herdsmen, leaving residents in a state of fear and insecurity.
Executive Secretary of the Benue State Emergency Management Agency (BSEMA), Dr. James Iorpuu, has raised the alarm over escalating herder attacks across the state, revealing that 17 out of Benue’s 23 local government areas are currently affected.
Speaking to journalists on Wednesday in Makurdi, Iorpuu disclosed that only six LGAs—Ogbadibo, Ohimini, Konshisha, Gboko, Ushongo, and one unnamed—remain untouched by the violence.
The ongoing attacks, according to him, have displaced hundreds of thousands and left many financially crippled. Iorpuu, who also doubles as the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, emphasized the urgent need for federal intervention.
He warned that unless the Federal Government undertakes the dredging of the Rivers Benue and Niger, annual flooding will continue to devastate communities.
Reflecting on the recent emergency management conference held in Lagos, Iorpuu noted that the event significantly broadened the perspective of emergency response teams in the state.
He also commended Governor Hyacinth Alia’s leadership, stating: “For the governor to have not borrowed money from any financial institution since assumption of office is a clear indication of purposeful leadership and accountability.”
Dismissing reports from an independent assessor that criticized the state’s performance under Alia, Iorpuu reaffirmed support for the governor. He cited the “Divine Mandate” group—which backed Alia’s 2023 gubernatorial bid—as being satisfied with his progress so far.
Looking ahead to the 2027 election, Iorpuu revealed that a second phase of the Divine Mandate initiative would be launched later this year to further promote the governor’s achievements.
He also issued a cautionary note to citizens: “Benue people must be cautious of those who want the governor to be sharing state funds with a few individuals at the expense of the general public.”
NAN
