By Peter Oboh Egbodo
The Benue State Government has taken note of comments made by a self-acclaimed security analyst/expert, one Jonathan Onoja during a recent appearance on Arise Television (News Day Live), where he alleged insensitivity on the part of the Government of Benue State to the security challenges affecting parts of the State, particularly Zone C.
While the Government respects the constitutional right of citizens and analysts to comment on issues of public interest, it is important that public discourse on matters as sensitive as security reflects facts, context, and an informed understanding of the realities on the ground. As an indigene of Benue State with purported expertise knowledge on security matters and acclaimed love for the people, can he point to an instance where an attempt was made to interface with the government, or the security heads in the State with his suggestions or opinions on how the situation he openly claimed on the National Television could be addressed.
For critical listeners, you will discover one of the most disjointed responses to interview questions in recent time, and so, the Government of Benue State will not expect much from the self-acclaimed security analyst- Jonathan Onoja. In as much the State is not interested and will not descend low to travel with him on the ignoble path, it will be safe to say that the responses to the interview questions show a psychological collapse and moral breakdown. A security analyst that is more like someone apprehensive of the popularity of Governor Alia than the strategic answers that the anchor desire the public to know.
When asked by the anchor how the bandits were able to bypass the local and security intelligence- at a single breath, he indicted the Federal security architecture of deceitful act when he talked about 28000 personnel sent, and further complained about the effective use of the personnel, the motivation, lack of equipment for effective delivery which is the statutory responsibility of the Federal Government that did the deployment, and funnily, end up with the lack seriousness of Governor Alia, who he said is only interested in 2027 and his reelection bid. He continued how he saw the Governor on a National Television crying for help, but ended the statement with how Governor Alia is enjoying insecurity in Benue for relief donations, projecting insecurity to attack opposition, and for 2027 reelection bid. When asked again by the anchor if the attack is an economic warfare considering Benue to be the agricultural hub of the Nation, and more so that the timing is always planting and harvest time; Onoja Jonathan went ahead to indict President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of not considering the issue of insecurity in Benue, but the interest of Governor Alia and his reelection more than the people. When the anchor probe to know if he can offer solution to the challenge- Onoja came up with the solution; “the only solution to this banditry and economic warfare which will ultimately lead to food shortage in the country is to vote Governor Alia out in 2027”. When Jonathan Onoja was asked if the Governor has implemented quite a few security outfits to assist in the fragile areas, he said ‘nothing is done’, but, when the anchor mentioned “Benue State Volunteer Guards”, or if he has any evidence to show if the outfit are not in existence- the reply was “No effort has been put in place, the Governor is on a show ride, and to retrieve the guns for his thugs to be used in 2027 election’. We may not respond to the unsubstantiated and unprofessional utterances like; how the Governor abandoned the Anti-Open grazing law, how he sent police to attack the protesters during the Yelewata killings, and how Benue people have resolved not to vote for him in 2027. I think the whole interview can be seen as the kick of an insecure mole hired to do an odd job. An analyst who refused to see any issue outside of a political box and 2027 election.
Onoja Jonathan did not know the difference between disagreeing with a line of thought and misunderstanding facts.
We may not be willing to bother our citizens that deserve our explanations on the intentional steps toward securing the State, because our situation deserves better debate and not empty rhetoric.
The assertion that the Government of Benue State is indifferent to the security situation is therefore unfounded, misleading, and does not reflect the extensive and structured interventions being implemented by the administration of His Excellency, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia.
Security challenges in parts of Benue State, including Zone C, did not begin with the present administration. They form part of a wider regional security dynamic affecting several States across the North Central region. Recognizing the complexity of this challenge, the Alia administration has deliberately chosen a systematic and institutional approach to security management rather than ad-hoc reactions.
Since assuming office, the Government has strengthened operational coordination with Federal security agencies including the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police Force, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps. In addition, community-based intelligence networks have been reactivated and expanded across vulnerable local government areas, while joint security task forces have been strategically deployed to flashpoint communities within Zone C and other affected zones. These coordinated efforts have already improved intelligence flow and enhanced rapid response capabilities within rural communities.
Beyond immediate security responses, the Government has also implemented a comprehensive Integrated Security and Peace Framework designed to address both enforcement and conflict prevention. Under this framework, the Benue State Community Volunteer Guards have been strengthened to support grassroots intelligence gathering and early warning systems. The Benue State Commission for Peace and Reconciliation has also been operationalized to address underlying communal tensions and facilitate dialogue in conflict-prone areas.
Furthermore, the administration has continued to improve logistics and mobility support for security agencies operating across the State, particularly within rural communities where accessibility has historically posed operational challenges.
It must be emphasized that the security situation confronting Benue State, like many other parts of the country, reflects the nature of asymmetric warfare, where criminal elements exploit vulnerable communities, strike soft targets, and retreat. Such threats are not limited to a single tier of government; they involve International, National, State, and Local dimensions. Indeed, even some of the world’s most advanced nations continue to grapple with similar security complexities.
For this reason, responsible analysis must acknowledge that the management of modern security threats requires coordinated, multi-layered strategies rather than simplistic conclusions.
It is therefore regrettable that sweeping conclusions were made without consultation with the relevant security authorities and architects responsible for the ongoing security reforms in the State. Attempting to portray the situation as a result of incompetence, indifference, or lack of empathy on the part of the Benue State Government undermines the sacrifices and efforts of security personnel and community actors who work daily, often at great personal risk, to protect lives and property.
The Government remains fully committed to the safety and well-being of all citizens and residents of Benue State. Zone C, like every other part of the state, remains a strategic priority for the administration due to its economic importance and its position along key interstate movement corridors.
Benue State Government therefore urges public commentators and analysts to approach issues of security with responsibility, objectivity, and a clear understanding of the complex realities involved. The administration of Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia will continue to strengthen security institutions, deepen collaboration with federal authorities, and pursue sustainable peace across all parts of the State.
On a moral and final note, for a security analyst to go on National Television program and refer to the Governor of Benue State, Rev, Fr, Dr, Hyacinth Iormem Alia, as a “fake Reverend Father” is not only reckless but morally and ethically disturbing. Such a remark abandons the discipline of security analysis and descends into personal attack, religious mockery, and public disrespect.
Security analysis is expected to be guided by facts, professionalism, and restraint. When it is instead driven by bias and political motives, it loses credibility and pollutes public discourse. Resorting to insults on National Television reflects a troubling erosion of ethical responsibility and exposes the speaker to the charge of weaponizing the media for character assassination rather than constructive national dialogue. In a society striving for responsible leadership and civil engagement, such language is not just inappropriate—it is a moral blemish on the standards of public commentary and a disservice to the seriousness that security matters demand. Unfortunately, when ignorance puts on the robes of analysis, and politics pulls the strings, security commentary becomes less about truth and more about serving an agenda.
While the Government is sympathetic and embarking on genuine measures in addressing the situation of this insecurity in all parts of the State, it is not surprising that people like Jonathan Onoja and his co-travelers will always throw their eyes on the opposite direction to the realities and efforts of this administration. As a government, we are determined and will not be deterred by naysayers in our bid to secure Benue State. Whether in politics or outside politics, we can be adjudged to be inhuman if we indulge in fakery with issues around people’s lives.
Peter Oboh Egbodo is the Honourable Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Benue State
