The Executive Secretary of the Benue State Emergency Management Agency (BSEMA), James Iorpuu, has revealed that 17 out of the 23 local government areas in the state are currently affected by herdsmen attacks.

Speaking with journalists on Wednesday in Makurdi, Iorpuu said only Ogbadibo, Ohimini, Konshisha, Gboko, Ushongo, and one other local government area remain unaffected.

He lamented that the sustained attacks have displaced hundreds of thousands of residents, leaving many homeless, financially incapacitated, and struggling to rebuild their lives.

Calls for Dredging of Rivers Benue and Niger

Beyond the security challenges, the BSEMA boss also highlighted the growing threat of flooding across the state. He urged the Federal Government to urgently dredge the Rivers Benue and Niger, warning that failure to do so would make flooding a recurring national disaster.

He noted that the recent conference of State Emergency Management Agencies in Lagos had broadened the knowledge and preparedness of emergency managers across the country, including those in Benue State.

Commends Governor Alia’s Leadership

Iorpuu praised Governor Hyacinth Alia for what he described as exemplary leadership and prudent management of state resources.

According to him, the governor’s ability to run the state without borrowing from any financial institution since assuming office demonstrates “purposeful leadership and fiscal discipline.”

He dismissed reports by an independent assessor suggesting that Benue State was underperforming, saying the governor’s record speaks for itself.

“For the governor to have not borrowed money from any financial institution since assumption of office is a clear indication of purposeful leadership and accountability,” Iorpuu said.

“Divine Mandate” Group Backs Alia for 2027

Iorpuu also revealed that the Divine Mandate, the political group that lobbied Governor Alia to contest the 2023 governorship election, remains proud of his performance and plans to launch a second phase of its campaign later in the year to further promote his achievements ahead of the 2027 election.

He cautioned Benue residents against individuals or groups pushing the governor to divert state funds for personal gains.

“Benue people must be wary of those who want the governor to be sharing state funds with a few individuals at the detriment of others,” he warned.

17 Benue LGAs Under Herdsmen Attacks – BSEMA

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