Terseer Ugbor, a member of the Federal House of Representatives representing the Kwande/Ushongo Federal Constituency, has stated that villages in Benue State will have to devise strategies to defend themselves against attacks.
He stated that Benue has long lacked a local security force capable of serving as a deterrent to attacks in the wake of the State's escalating insecurity, which has resulted in the loss of life.
“As you can see, the DSS DG stated in public that communities will need to develop self-defense strategies. People will have to protect themselves. According to the congressman, localities will need to establish vigilantes and other mechanisms to safeguard their villages”.
There have been multiple attempts to establish a state security apparatus in Benue when the anti-open grazing law was implemented by former Governor Samuel Ortom.
"This government then intervened and sent "Anyam Nyor," a volunteer guard. Regretfully, the effects of "Anyam Nyor" have not been very noticeable in Benue. As a result, we have failed to establish a strong security framework to safeguard our Benue communities. We simply haven't been able to," he continued.
According to Ugbor, Benue's existing military formations are not for war but rather for peacekeeping. But to put an end to the atrocities, he urged the Nigerian military to launch an offensive.
"The purpose of Benue's military formations is to maintain peace." I know their perspective because I engage with them on a grassroots level. Their purpose is not to shoot any group of people. He stated that their purpose is to keep the peace, not to go all out and open fire on the Fulani, the Tiv, or any other tribe in Benue.
As a result, when these individuals attack, they attack and then flee. There is no security presence, and it is not authorized to go after them beyond state boundaries and launch an attack in another state.
“That is not the mandate of the security in Benue. But right now, with this situation, the military needs to go on the offensive. If not, this problem will not stop,” Ugbor added.
Furthermore, on Monday, President Bola Tinubu announced that he will travel to Benue on Wednesday. To find long-term solutions to the conflicts, he is anticipated to meet with all relevant parties, including youth organizations, political, religious, and traditional leaders.
According to a statement released Monday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President is anticipated to host a town hall meeting with all interested parties during the visit.
Hyacinth Alia, the Governor of Benue State, General Christopher Musa, the Chief of Defense Staff, and Kayode Egbetokun, the Inspector General of police (IGP), pledged Monday to put an end to the state's murders. They made this claim during their visit to the Yelwata hamlet in the state's Guma Local Government Area.