No fewer than 76 security personnel lost their lives in Benue State over the past year while discharging their duties.
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Governor Hyacinth Alia made this known while receiving families of the deceased security personnel in Makurdi, assuring that their sacrifices would not be in vain.
The governor presented N5 million to each of the families of the deceased personnel, which included members of the Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), military, Benue State Civil Protection Guards, and the Operation Zenda joint security team.
Acknowledging the selfless service of the fallen personnel, Governor Alia said they paid the supreme price to ensure peace in the state. He also expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu, the Chief of Defence Staff, and the Service Chiefs for their concerted efforts to restore peace in Benue.
He said, “We appreciate the sacrifice made by these fallen heroes to defend the territory of the state and ensure that citizens live in peace.
“It is a heavy burden, but we will continue this journey with you. Their memories will remain a blessing to us and our state. I saw a mother breastfeeding her baby, a child who 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. No one will be left behind. You will be on the State protocol list. I assure you that the lives your loved ones sacrificed will not be in vain, because peace must return to the state.
“I also appreciate the First Lady and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) for their immense support. I assure the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) that the committee set up is working to ensure fairness in the distribution of funds given to the IDPs. We will not rest until they all return to their ancestral homes.”
Announcing the financial support to the families of the deceased, the governor said, “Each family will receive a cash donation of N5 million. For those injured, we will also provide support. Let us support these families—be kind to them, be charitable, visit them, and share with them. Give them human kindness and attention.
“Our government will continue to synergize with security agencies in the state to ensure peace. Security agencies are not enemies of the state. They sacrifice much, especially their comfort, to provide comfort to us.”
Earlier, the Director-General of the Benue State Bureau of Homeland Security, Air Commodore Jacob Gbamwuan (retd), disclosed that “76 security personnel lost their lives in the state between 2024 and 2025,” stressing that they sacrificed their lives as heroes to maintain peace and cannot be forgotten.
Benue State Commissioner of Police, Ifeanyi Emenari, described the state government’s gesture as “spectacular” and “unprecedented,” noting that it would provide succor to affected families and motivate security agencies in the state.
Emenari commended the governor for prioritizing security through consistent funding, adding, “It is not over until our goal for the state is achieved. We must double our efforts to ensure criminals and hoodlums cannot operate in Benue.”
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