Benue: Community Policing More Effective – Gov Alia Cautions Against Self-Defence

Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia has advocated for community policing as a response to the worsening insecurity in the state.

Speaking on AIT’s Kakaaki programme on Tuesday, Alia cautioned affected communities against taking up self-defence, warning it could increase their vulnerability to further attacks.

The governor blamed armed herders for a series of deadly assaults, including the recent massacre in Yelewata, which has claimed over 300 lives.

He said: “But where you have people who just decide to wake up because of sentiments and emotions that are attached to what is happening with us and within us, I think the rendering ourselves a bit more vulnerable — so I wouldn’t advocate for a self-defence.

“I would encourage us all to keep calling for community policing because it’s the only way

“It’s only people from within the state and local government who would understand what is going on with them.”