Governor Hyacinth Alia commends federal and US support in tackling Benue's security crisis, calling for regional cooperation as the new Army 5 Division, covering Benue, Kogi, and Nasarawa, takes shape in Makurdi.
Makurdi — September 1, 2026
Governor Hyacinth Alia has praised the Federal Government and the United States for their interventions in tackling Benue's security crisis, describing the support as "very helpful" while calling for deeper cooperation among North Central states to mount a coordinated response to insecurity.
Speaking on Channels Television's Sunrise Daily, Alia said the region must move beyond reacting to attacks after they happen and instead focus on identifying the root sources of insecurity to prevent further violence.
We need to get into the sources where we are very vulnerable, and their acts are continuing. We need to know those who are responsible for this, he said.
The governor expressed concern over what he called a fragmented response from security agencies, arguing that states in the region cannot remain indifferent to insecurity affecting their neighbours since violence in one state ultimately threatens the wider region.
He said North Central states coming together was meant to reinforce their collective responsibility to protect lives and create the conditions for economic development.
Alia disclosed that one of the four new military divisions established by President Tinubu, the 5 Division, headquartered in Makurdi will have operational responsibility for Benue, Kogi, and Nasarawa states.
He has previously described the division as a major boost to command and control, response times, and regional protection of lives and property, and separately commended Tinubu's approval of 28,000 additional Army personnel nationwide.
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