76 Security personnel killed in Benue in one year – Gov Alia
At least 76 security personnel have been killed in Benue State over the past year while carrying out their duties, Governor Hyacinth Alia has disclosed.
The governor stated this in Makurdi while receiving families of the deceased officers drawn from the Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the military, the Benue State Civil Protection Guards, and the joint security outfit, Operation Zenda.
Alia said the state government had approved a cash donation of ₦5 million to each family, with additional support for personnel who sustained injuries in the line of duty.
The governor commended the sacrifices of the fallen officers, stressing that they paid the supreme price to secure peace in the state.
He also expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu, the Chief of Defence Staff and Service Chiefs for what he described as their sustained efforts toward restoring peace in Benue.
Quoting him, Alia said: “We appreciate the sacrifice made by these fallen heroes to defend the territory of the state and ensure that the citizenry lives in peace.
It is a heavy burden but we will continue this journey with you. Their memories will continue to be a blessing to us and our state. I sat and saw a mother breastfeeding her baby—that means the child did not know its father because he paid the supreme price.
We will continue to support their widows and you will be visited from time to time. We will ensure your children continue their education through scholarships. We will not leave anyone behind. You will be on the State protocol list. I assure you that the lives your loved ones sacrificed would not be in vain because peace must return to the state.”
The governor further acknowledged the support of the First Lady and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) in assisting displaced persons in the state.
According to him: “I also appreciate the First Lady and the International Organisation for Migration, IOM, for their humongous support and I assure the Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs, that the committee set up is working to ensure fairness in the distribution of money given to the IDPs. We will not rest on our oars until they all return to their ancestral homes.”
On financial support for bereaved families, Alia added: “Each of the families will receive a cash donation of the sum of N5 million. For those injured too, we will support them. Let us support these families. Be kind to them, be charitable to them. Share with them and visit them, work with them. Give human kindness and face to them.”
76 Security personnel killed in Benue in one year – Gov Alia
