GOVERNOR DOES NOT SLEEP'— BENUE CP APPLAUDS GOV. ALIA'S SECURITY EFFORTS . (PHOTO).

 GOVERNOR DOES NOT SLEEP'— BENUE CP APPLAUDS GOV. ALIA'S SECURITY EFFORTS 

The Benue State Commissioner of Police, Emenari Ifeanyi, has commended Governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia for what he described as the governor’s strong commitment to tackling insecurity and supporting security operations across the state.

Speaking while providing security updates to journalists in Makurdi, the police chief said security agencies were working closely to secure rural communities against attacks by armed herders and bandits.

Benue State has faced recurring security challenges linked to armed herders and banditry in several rural communities, prompting increased collaboration among security agencies.

CP Ifeanyi said the police were operating in synergy with the military, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the Benue State Civil Protection Guard to strengthen security across affected areas.

He noted that joint patrols were ongoing in many communities, while the Nigeria Police Force had deployed its air component to support ground operations.

According to him, tactical teams have also been stationed in vulnerable areas to respond swiftly to emerging threats.

The police commissioner confirmed that a recent attack on June 13 in Asakpa, Ojantele and Okpete communities in Apa Local Government Area resulted in the death of six villagers.

Security operatives, alongside troops of Operation Whirl Stroke, he said, launched coordinated operations, including drone surveillance, to track the attackers who fled into nearby forests.

“The Governor does not sleep. He is always on our neck and he makes provisions for all that we need,” Ifeanyi said.

He added that additional reinforcements, including the police Special Intervention Squad and Counter Terrorism Unit, had been deployed to prevent further attacks.

The commissioner also urged residents to avoid politicising security incidents and instead provide useful information to security agencies.

Meanwhile, a representative of Operation Whirl Stroke disclosed that more troops had been deployed to Kwande Local Government Area to secure vulnerable communities and block criminal routes.

Both security leaders expressed optimism that ongoing joint operations would help restore lasting peace in Benue State.