Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has decried the killing of no fewer than 76 security personnel on active duty in the state within the last year, assuring that their sacrifices will never be forgotten.
The governor made this known at the weekend while receiving families of the deceased officers in Makurdi, the state capital, where he announced a cash donation of ₦5 million to each family of the fallen heroes.
The victims include personnel of the Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the military, the Benue State Civil Protection Guards, and the Operation Zenda joint security team.
Governor Alia, who acknowledged the selfless service of the deceased, said they paid the supreme price to defend the people and ensure peace in Benue State.
“We appreciate the sacrifice made by these fallen heroes to defend the territory of the state and ensure that our citizenry lives in peace. Their memories will continue to be a blessing to us and our state. It is a heavy burden, but we will continue this journey with you,” the governor said.
Moved by emotions, Alia recalled seeing a grieving mother breastfeeding her baby during the event, noting that the infant would grow up without knowing its father, who died in active service.
The governor further pledged scholarships for the children of the deceased officers, regular visitation to the widows, and inclusion of affected families in the state protocol list. He added that the state government will continue to partner with security agencies to restore lasting peace.
Alia also appreciated President Bola Tinubu, the Chief of Defence Staff, Service Chiefs, and the First Lady for their sustained support in addressing insecurity in Benue. He acknowledged the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) for assisting Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), assuring that the government’s committee on IDPs would ensure fairness in distributing relief funds.
“Security agencies are not enemies of the state. They sacrifice a lot, especially their comfort, to give us comfort. We will not rest until peace returns to our land,” he stressed.
Earlier, the Director General of the Benue State Bureau of Homeland Security, Air Commodore Jacob Gbamwuan (rtd.), disclosed that 76 security operatives had been killed between 2024 and 2025, describing them as “heroes who cannot be forgotten.”
Also speaking, the Benue State Commissioner of Police, Ifeanyi Emenari, described the governor’s gesture as “spectacular and unprecedented,” adding that it would provide succour to bereaved families and motivate security agencies to intensify their fight against criminality in the state.
By George Okoh in Makurdi
