News Editor
From Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi
A Professor of Law Practice and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Chief Sebastine Hon has petitioned President Bola Tinubu, urging him to declare a state of military emergency in Benue State amid escalating insecurity culminating in attacks and killing of hundreds of innocent people.
Chief Hon, said the call has become necessary following the urgent need for decisive intervention to restore peace and stability in the state.
He criticized the Governor Hyacinth Alia, for dismissing ongoing deadly attacks as mere “skirmishes” and failing to respond appropriately saying his dismissive social media responses describing them as unhelpful and negligent of the suffering of victims.
The Senior Advocate lamented the attack on Rev. Fr. Solomon Atongo on his way from Makurdi to Naka, the Headquarters of Gwer-East LGA on May 24, 2025, the daylight attack on Agan Community in Makurdi on May 29, 2025, and deadly assaults on Naka and Edikwu-Ankpali communities on June 1, 2025, with numerous fatalities saying no official condemnation or action from the State government.
He, however regretted that the efforts are yet to yield tangible results, as recent attacks continue unabated.
Chief Hon’s petition further stated that the military in Benue State appears to be siding with the perpetrators of violence citing that Rev. Fr. Solomon Atongo near a military checkpoint along Makurdi-Naka road, where soldiers allegedly failed to intervene.
“Only on May 31, 2025, Catholic Priests directly accused the military of complicity and further informed the whole world how the Church has lost priests and laity and has closed over 15 parishes in Benue State.”
He noted that in other parts of Nigeria, the military has deployed drones and fighter jets to combat insecurity, actions he said are copiously absent in Benue State.
He urged President Tinubu to borrow a leaf from the US government saying “The Nigerian Constitution is modelled after the USA Constitution. Both countries are operating federal Constitutions and the presidential system of government.
“Examples of declarations of state of emergency by successive US Presidents may be of assistance here. Kindly note that, as at the end of April, 2025, 90 emergencies had been declared in US history, out of which 41 have expired.
“The sovereignty of Nigeria is under very serious risk. No situation is more fitting to declare a military state of emergency in Benue State. The time for you to act is now, Sir.”
Hon urged the President to order a removal and replacement of all the military commanders in Benue State and if possible, even the ground troops should also be replaced. According to him “The way and manner they are operating in the State is clearly unsatisfactory.”
