Terrence Kuanum, Special Adviser on Public Affairs to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, has dismissed claims suggesting a state of emergency is being planned for Benue State.
Speaking on Arise TV’s Morning Show on Wednesday, Kuanum described the narrative as a diversion aimed at shifting focus away from the real issue—worsening insecurity in the state. He criticized the administration of Governor Hyacinth Alia, accusing it of politicizing the ongoing attacks by armed herders instead of taking effective action.
“It’s unfortunate that despite the severity of the situation, the state government is playing politics with the lives of our people,” he said.
Kuanum emphasized that no one is pushing for a state of emergency in Benue, recalling that similar attacks occurred in the past. However, he credited the previous administration with enforcing the anti-grazing law and maintaining relative peace by deploying Livestock Guards.
“When the past government left in 2023, herders had been removed from the streets of Benue,” he noted. “Instead of building on that progress, the current administration repealed the anti-grazing law and disbanded the Livestock Guards. Even the vehicles used to transport seized cattle have been converted for cargo use under Benue Links.”
He also pointed out that despite rising insecurity and daily killings, state officials continued to deny the existence of any security crisis.
“Our people are dying every day—are those in Abuja the ones calling for a state of emergency?” he asked. “Just yesterday and the day before, there were fresh killings. Rather than pushing false narratives, the state government should be uniting the people to find lasting solutions.”
Kuanum reiterated that Benue residents are not calling for a state of emergency, stating that such claims only serve as distractions from addressing the real issues at hand.