Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia has rejected calls for self-defence by residents after the latest wave of brutal attacks in the state.
He recently called for a robust community policing system instead, and Nigerians have been reacting.
Speaking on AIT News, the Governor asked for calm among residents of the state, warning against emotional fightbacks that could worsen insecurity
According to him, Benue State will become vulnerable to more attacks if residents resort to self-defence amid the insecurity crisis, so he cannot advocate for such a stance.
“I should carry, and I think that would make some very good common sense.
But where you have people who just decide to work up because of sentiments and emotions that are attached to what is happening with us and within us, I think we’re rendering ourselves a bit more vulnerable. So, I wouldn’t advocate for self-defense,” he said.
He reiterated that community policing is the most effective response to Benue’s security challenges.
Hyacinth concluded by saying that state residents who have experienced the incessant crisis will see the sense in his plea.
“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 the local government who would understand what is going on with them,” he added.
