Governor Hyacinth Alia’s recent announcement of ₦380 million support to the families of 76 slain security personnel in Benue State is undoubtedly a welcome gesture. The financial relief will provide some comfort to the widows, children, and relatives of those who paid the ultimate price in the line of duty. However, this humanitarian response should not be viewed as the end of the story. Rather, it should serve as a wake-up call for the governor and his administration to take urgent, concrete steps to prevent further loss of lives and restore security in the state.

Since Governor Alia assumed office, Benue State has witnessed alarming levels of insecurity, marked by repeated attacks from armed groups, kidnappings, and violent clashes that have claimed the lives of hundreds of innocent civilians and security personnel alike. According to reports, within the past year alone, at least 76 security operatives—including policemen, military personnel, and members of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps—have been killed while trying to maintain peace. This grim statistic paints a disturbing picture of the security situation in Benue, highlighting the enormous challenges that remain unresolved despite repeated promises from the governor’s administration.

Among the notable incidents under Alia’s tenure was the January 2025 attack on Agatu Local Government Area, where over 30 civilians and several security officers were killed by armed bandits. In addition, kidnappings for ransom and sporadic communal clashes have become recurring nightmares for many communities. These attacks have left countless families devastated, businesses disrupted, and the general populace living in fear.

Given this context, Governor Alia’s financial support to the families of fallen operatives is necessary and humane. Still, it cannot mask the fact that the loss of so many lives represents a fundamental failure of governance and security management. Therefore, it is imperative that the governor now take additional and more serious steps to address the root causes of insecurity in Benue State.

Firstly, Governor Alia must prioritize the development and security of Benue State above all else. This should not be merely rhetorical. Security was a cornerstone of his campaign promises, and the people of Benue deserve concrete actions, not just words or one-time payments. Investment in intelligence gathering, better training and equipment for security agencies, community policing initiatives, and infrastructural development in vulnerable areas must be accelerated. Only through sustained, well-coordinated efforts can the cycle of violence be broken, and public confidence restored.

Secondly, transparency and accountability are crucial. The governor should issue a public, written apology to the people of Benue State, openly acknowledging that his administration’s failure to provide adequate security contributed to the deaths of these brave security operatives and many civilians. Such an apology, delivered with sincerity and humility, would be a bold step toward healing the wounds of a traumatized population and restoring trust in leadership. Denial or silence only breeds cynicism and despair.

Thirdly, Governor Alia should make a solemn vow to resign immediately should such security failures occur again during his tenure. This pledge would be a powerful demonstration of accountability and seriousness in addressing the security crisis. Leadership demands responsibility, and the people deserve leaders who are willing to stake their positions on delivering tangible security results.

Furthermore, the governor could institutionalize measures such as a permanent welfare fund for the families of fallen security personnel, psychological support programs for grieving families, and empowerment initiatives for widows and children—such as scholarships and vocational training. Additionally, erecting a memorial park or monument to honor the fallen heroes would provide a lasting tribute and remind everyone of the sacrifices made for peace.

In conclusion, while the ₦380 million support is a compassionate relief effort, it should not be the endpoint. Governor Alia and his administration must demonstrate leadership by taking responsibility for past failures, prioritizing development and security, and committing to accountability. The people of Benue State deserve nothing less than a government that protects them effectively, values their lives, and ensures that the tragic loss of so many will never happen again.