The Commissioner of Police in Benue State, Emenari Ifeanyi, has commended the Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, for his sustained commitment to combating insecurity across the state.
The police chief made the remark on Monday while briefing journalists on the security situation in Makurdi. He said the police were working closely with other security agencies to safeguard rural communities from attacks by armed herders and bandits.
CP Ifeanyi praised the support provided by the state government, local authorities, vigilante groups, and community youths, noting that their cooperation has played a significant role in strengthening security efforts in the state.
“The Governor does not sleep. He is always on our neck and he makes provisions for all that we need,” he said.
According to the Commissioner, security agencies remain firmly in control of the situation and are intensifying operations to rid the state of criminal elements.
He assured residents that security forces are responding swiftly to emerging threats, particularly banditry associated with armed herders and other criminal groups operating in parts of the state.
CP Ifeanyi explained that the police, military, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and the Benue State Civil Protection Guard are carrying out regular joint patrols across communities to maintain law and order.
He added that the Nigeria Police Force has deployed its air component to provide aerial surveillance and operational support, while tactical units remain stationed in vulnerable locations across the state.
The Police Commissioner also confirmed that a recent attack by bandits on June 13 in the communities of Asakpa, Ojantele and Okpete in Apa Local Government Area resulted in the death of six villagers.
He stated that following the attack, security operatives in collaboration with troops of Operation Whirl Stroke launched a coordinated operation, supported by drone surveillance, to track the attackers who reportedly fled into nearby forests.
According to him, additional security reinforcements, including the police Special Intervention Squad and the Counter Terrorism Unit, have been deployed to the affected area to forestall further attacks.
CP Ifeanyi further cautioned against the politicisation and exaggeration of security incidents, urging residents to support security agencies by providing credible information that could aid ongoing operations.
Also speaking, a representative of Operation Whirl Stroke disclosed that additional troops have been deployed to Kwande Local Government Area to secure vulnerable communities and block entry and exit routes commonly used by criminal elements.
Both security leaders expressed optimism that the ongoing joint security operations would help restore peace and stability across Benue State.
Benue CP commends gov Alia’s tireless fight against insecurity
Benue CP commends gov Alia’s tireless fight against insecurity
