Benue State Commissioner for Power and Transportation, Omale Oga Matthew, has said that communities in the state devastated by violent attacks are expecting the military to intercept and engage invading forces before they begin destruction.
Speaking during an interview on ARISE News on Thursday, Matthew expressed concern over the resurgence of violence across parts of the state and questioned the effectiveness of current military presence in conflict-prone areas.
“Let me use this occasion… I agree completely with the expression of the women and the youth of Apa Local Government… People expect that when they come and they invade us, troop into our community, the military should engage them and even prevent them from entering our community,” he stated.
His remarks come against the backdrop of protests by women in Apa Local Government Area, who have accused military personnel of complicity in the violence and demanded their withdrawal. Matthew acknowledged the allegations, saying, “I confirm that the women, the youths, and the entire leadership of Apa Local Government have brought to our attention even before the protests, a sense of complicity on the side of the military whose primary responsibility is to also protect our people, our lives and property.”
He added that an incident involving the death of a young resident at the hands of the military is currently under investigation.
“The military that were in our place, particularly in Apa Local Government, who were carrying out their lawful duty, intercepting some youths, there is this allegation that one of our young children died on the hands of the military. That matter is under investigation as to the cause for arrest and why we have to die,” he said.
Matthew, while acknowledging the complexities involved in the security crisis, noted that under the current administration of Governor Hyacinth Lormem Alia, the state has managed to reduce the number of flashpoints.
“On Sundays watch, we began to notice a drop down from a nine flashpoint to about six and eventually four. As we speak now, it is picking up because of the recent grouping at the launch of our own-world aid attacks by these marauders and invaders of our lands,” he said.
He commended the Governor’s alignment with the Federal Government, which has helped improve security coordination.
“He has realigned Bengui State Government to the Federal Government and hence we can enjoy Federal Government assets. That has led, surely, the State Government to do interface with the several security formations at the National Defense Headquarters and then the National Security Advisor and all other security apparatus there are in Nigeria,” he said.
Dismissing political insinuations that internal APC divisions were fuelling insecurity in the state, Matthew said,
“As a political player… I can understand the game that the sheer graph of this perceptional representation that the Governor is not with the APC in Benue State… is not a statement of truth.”
He also rejected calls for a state of emergency. “If it is coming from any voter or anybody, then that must be enemy of the state and those who do not mean well for the state,” he declared, adding, “Are there grounds that can sustain the call for state of emergency in Benue State as we speak? The answer is no.”
On alleged involvement of militia groups in the conflict, he said,
“Long before now, there has been some activities of some elements within the state, and that the government at diverse times has to put them under control.”
For long-term peace, Matthew recommended genuine stakeholder dialogue and honest engagement.
“My quick recommendation… would be that of, you know, intensive and sincere stakeholder engagement, where truth will be put to the table… and there will be a reconciliation by everybody.”
He concluded by emphasising the need for peaceful coexistence and responsible animal rearing practices.
“Can they carry out the business of, you know, animal rearing? Can they be carried out or conducted in a very civilized manner? If yes, then that can be talked, and the people can be schooled to understand so that we can live together as a peaceful citizen of Nigeria.”
Faridah Abdulkadiri
Follow us on:
