No fewer than 76 security personnel lost their lives in Benue State over the past year while performing their duties, Governor Hyacinth Alia disclosed on Friday, in Makurdi.
The victims included members of the Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the military, Benue State Civil Protection Guards, and the Operation Zenda joint security team.
Governor Alia, while receiving families of the fallen personnel, assured them that the sacrifices would not be in vain.
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He announced a cash support of N5 million to each family and emphasized continued assistance for the widows and children.
“We appreciate the sacrifice made by these fallen heroes to defend the territory of the state and ensure that the citizenry lives in peace.
“Their memories will continue to be a blessing to us and our state,” he said.
He further commended the First Lady, the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), President Bola Tinubu, the Chief of Defence Staff, and other Service Chiefs for supporting security efforts in the state.
“We will not rest on our oars until all Internally Displaced Persons return to their ancestral homes,” Alia added.
Air Commodore Jacob Gbamwuan (retd), Director General of the Benue State Bureau of Homeland Security, praised the fallen personnel as heroes who paid the supreme price for peace.
He stated, “76 security personnel lost their lives in the state between 2024 and 2025. Their sacrifice cannot be forgotten.”
Benue State Commissioner of Police, Ifeanyi Emenari, described the state government’s gesture as “spectacular” and “unprecedented.”
He highlighted that it would motivate security personnel and provide succour to affected families.
He stressed the need to continue efforts against criminals, saying, “It is not over until our desire for the state is achieved.
“We must double our efforts and ensure that criminals and hoodlums do not operate in the state.”
