Insecurity: Benue assembly summons top security officials

The Benue state House of Assembly Thursday summoned top security officials to appear before its leadership on Friday, March 14, 2025, to brief the House on the ongoing killings and insecurity in the state.

Those summoned include Col. Alexander Ashungyu Rtd, Special Adviser to the Governor on External Security; Joe Har, Special Adviser on Internal Security; Air Commodore Jacob Gbamwuan Rtd, Director General of the Benue Homeland Security; and Captain Ajobi Ayuma Rtd, Commandant, Benue Civil Protection Guards.

The House also summoned Mr. Denen Aondoakaa, Special Adviser to the Governor on Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, to provide explanations on the funding of security at the local government level.

The summon followed a motion of urgent public importance moved by Hon. Bemdoo Ipusu, member representing Katsina-Ala West state constituency, who informed the House of renewed attacks and killings by armed herdsmen in several communities, including Imande-Gbehuwar, Mbagena Kpaav, Dikpo, and Mbasende.

The House condemned the attacks and killings, as well as the mob action of protesters that resulted in the destruction of properties in Naka.

Minority leader of the House, Rt. Hon. Michael Audu, warned that if the insecurity is not checked, it will lead to a breakdown of law and order, food insecurity, and widespread displacement of communities.

In another development, the House received the report of the Auditor-General for Local Government on the accounts of the 23 local governments of Benue state for the years 2021 and 2022.

The reports were referred to the Rules and Business Committee for further action.