Joel Ajayi
A governorship aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Benue State, Chief Bemgba Iortyom has described Governor Hyacinth Alia’s decision to enlist the state in a newly announced Northern Security Arrangement as a “betrayal” and “a dangerous compromise” of Benue’s security interests.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Thursday in Abuja, Iortyom said the arrangement—which proposes a N1 billion monthly contribution from each of the 19 northern states into a Regional Security Trust Fund—poses no real benefit to Benue.
Instead, he argued, it risks channeling the state’s resources into an initiative he claims is aligned with interests “hostile” to the people of Benue.
“Benue Must Reject the Northern Security Trust Fund”
The PDP chieftain insisted that the fund would not serve the security needs of Benue people, who he said have endured years of violent attacks by armed herdsmen.
According to him, Governor Alia has consistently failed to take decisive action against perpetrators of violence in the state and cannot now be trusted to commit Benue to a regional security initiative.
Iortyom cited what he called “verifiable historical evidence” to justify Benue’s rejection of the arrangement.
He alleged that during the 2023 elections, Alia received funding from interests opposed to the state’s Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law.
He claimed the governor’s subsequent disbandment of the Benue Livestock Guards and suspension of enforcement of the anti-open grazing law led to an unprecedented influx of armed herders and a rise in attacks.
The former lawmaker accused Governor Alia of trivializing violent attacks in the state, describing them as “mere skirmishes,” even when incidents such as the Yelewata massacre claimed hundreds of lives.
He criticized the governor for allegedly rejecting President Bola Tinubu’s directive to set up a committee to address the persistent killings.
Iortyom also questioned Alia’s management of the state’s security funds, claiming the governor receives about N3.5 billion monthly as security vote, yet invests very little in empowering local security structures.
He argued that if Alia devoted even half of the N1 billion he plans to contribute monthly to the regional trust fund to Benue’s internal security system, the state would achieve better results.
Iortyom further argued that Governor Alia lacks the temperament and democratic disposition to manage a state police structure if such is eventually created, accusing him of encouraging thuggery and stifling dissent.
He pointed to alleged incidents where pro-Alia youths disrupted public events and intimidated political opponents.
He also referenced the controversial attempt to remove the Chief Judge of Benue State earlier this year, describing it as evidence of the governor’s disregard for legality.
The PDP chieftain also dismissed the governor’s call for a suspension of mining activities across the North, accusing him of hypocrisy.
He said illegal mining has flourished in Benue—particularly in Kwande LGA—under Alia’s watch, despite the establishment of a Bureau of Mining & Solid Minerals in the state.
According to Iortyom, Chinese operators involved in illegal mining continue to operate freely under the current administration.
“Benue Is Not Safe Under This Arrangement”
Iortyom concluded that Benue’s participation in the Northern Security Arrangement would not protect its citizens, stressing that Governor Alia has shown more loyalty to “external interests” than to the people who elected him.
He called on the people of Benue to reject the arrangement “in its entirety.”
