By Donald Kumun
In the tapestry of leadership, true strength is not merely defined by pronouncements from the podium, but by the relentless, often unseen, efforts behind the scenes to secure the lives and livelihoods of the populace.
In Benue State, a land too long accustomed to the pangs of insecurity, the emergence of His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, on May 29, 2023, marked a turning point, a deliberate and decisive shift towards reclaiming the peace that is the birthright of every Benue son and daughter.
On Wednesday, June 18, 2025, when President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, graced our troubled state with his esteemed presence, the profound significance of the visit, not as a coincidence, but as the direct outcome of Governor Alia’s tireless, strategic, and profoundly effective engagement with the federal might, gave birth to high respiration of peace and stability of the State, with the President’s Swift directives to all the security Chiefs of the Nation.
From the very moment the Governor assumed office, he made the security of Benue State his paramount agenda. Governor Alia inherited a landscape scarred by years of relentless attacks, communal clashes, and the displacement of countless families.
The challenges were immense, the narratives complex, and the solutions seemingly elusive. Yet, with an unbiased spirit of a true shepherd tending his flock, he embarked on a multi-pronged approach, leaving no stone unturned in his quest for peace in the State.
The central point to his strategy has been the unflinching belief in the power of collaboration and the necessity of federal intervention. Even as some may view the state’s security apparatus as primarily localized, the Governor understood that the magnitude of the security challenges facing Benue State, transcended the state’s boundaries, necessitating a robust partnership with the federal government.
Also, he recognized that the enduring peace the state seek could only be guaranteed through the deployment of superior federal might, backed by intelligence, equipment, and personnel.
Consequently, began the relentless contact. Day and night, Governor Alia has been in constant communication with the Presidency, the National Security Adviser, the Inspector General of Police, the Chief of Defence Staff, and indeed, all relevant security agencies at the federal level. He has presented the dire realities of our communities with compelling narrations, providing firsthand accounts, detailed intelligence, and a clear articulation of the resources required to stem the tide of violence.
His appeals have been fervent, his resolve unyielding, and his commitment to the safety of Benue people, absolutely fantastic.
It is this tireless advocacy, this persistent engagement, and this tremendous commitment to collaboration with the highest echelons of power that has culminated in the momentous visit of the President, just as the voices and cries of all Benue sons and daughters, for the President to come to the aid of their bleeding State, equally propel the attention of national and international community, as well as the Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV
President Tinubu’s decision to alter his schedule and personally commiserate with the government and people of Benue State, is a testament to the persuasive power of the Governor’s consistent lobbying and the undeniable gravity of the security situation he has diligently brought to the federal government’s attention. This visit is not a mere symbolic gesture or jamboree; it is a direct response to a governor who has refused to be silent, who has refused to merely lament, but who has actively and effectively sought solutions at the highest possible level, with countless sleepless nights.
Yet, for a demonstrable and tangible results, it is disheartening, indeed, utterly reprehensible, to observe a disturbing trend of ill-informed and politically motivated commentaries from certain quarters conspicuously identified to keep generating negative narratives of the insecurity challenges to thwart the attention of the Benue innocent citizens that the Governor is not committed for the protection of lives and property of the State. There are those, driven by narrow personal agendas, outdated vendettas, or sheer ignorance, who seek to cast aspersions on the Governor’s relentless work. They peddle infamous narratives, downplay achievements, and even, in their most egregious manifestations, attempt to politicize the very human tragedy that has befallen our people.
Now, Mr. President has come and personally felt the purse of the state as it mourns, it needs to be highlighted some of the major disquisitions on the front burner.
During his interface with critical stakeholders of the State, across party lines, at the New Banquet Hall of Government House, Makurdi, the President ordered that the criminals and terrorists must be chased down to their holes and brought out to face the direct consequences of their actions. The Inspector General of Police, the Chief of Defence Staff, Department of State Security Service, were all given marching and direct orders to handle the menace of the insecurity once and for all, which from the countenance of the President who went to the Hospital on his way to Government House, to see the survived victims of the attack, the matching order would yield a positive result, and must be followed to the latter.
It must also be highlighted that, the role played by non other person than the personality of the Chairman of Benue State Traditional Council who doubles as the Paramount Ruler of the Tiv ethnic nationality and his colleagues must be applauded.
The Begha u Tiv, Prof. James Iorzua Ayatse, laid the strong insecurity issues bare and insisted that nothing less than a deliberate, well orchestrated and evil minded genocidal attacks, have been occasioned against the people of the state. This is constructive and needs to be taken as simple as that. The Tor Tiv equally informed the President as the custodian of Benue Valley, that it is so disheartening that some politicians in the State, are either fueling the killings or wishes that it continues for the President to declare a State of emergency to enable them achieve their evil intentions.
Let it be unequivocally stated to those who pay later hour visits that such comments are not only unhelpful, but are dangerous. They serve only to sow discord, demoralize security operatives, and inadvertently embolden the enemies of peace. This is not the time for politicking; it is a moment for sober reflection, unity, for collective action, and for unwavering support for a leader who is demonstrably working round the clock to secure our future.
Those who engage in these illicit comments, who trade in falsehoods, and disunity, are doing a great disservice to the very people they claim to represent. They are, wittingly or unwittingly, sabotaging the genuine efforts being made to restore lasting peace to Benue State.
Governor Alia is not a leader who seeks applause for every step taken; his focus remains steadfastly on the ultimate goal of peace and stability. His quiet determination, coupled with his persistent outreach to the federal government, has brought us to this critical juncture where the highest office in the land stands in solidarity with the State.
This is a testament to his vision, his tenacity, and his unshakeable faith in a brighter tomorrow for our beloved state as highly commended by the President for his resilience amidst the numerous security challenges confronting the State. The President was pleased with the Governor’s efforts and focus, despite the challenges, and charged him to maintain the good spirit as a symbol of good leadership.
As the President have engaged with the stakeholders in the State, let the message be clear: Benue State, under the resolute leadership of the Governor, is committed to peace. We stand united in our support for the measures he has taken, and we call on all well-meaning citizens to reject the divisive voices of those who seek to undermine our collective pursuit of security. As a mark of solidarity with the Governor, the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF), as well as the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF), covering the 36 States of the Federation, were all in the State to stand with him and Benue people in their moment of grief. The dawn of a new, peaceful Benue State, is on the horizon, and it is being meticulously ushered in by the Governor, who understands that the path to peace begins with tireless efforts and unwavering contact with the federal government and collaboration with all and sundry, in Benue State.
Donald Kumun, is the Principal Special Assistant to the Benue State Governor on Print Media, and writes from Makurdi the State Capital of Benue.
