17 Benue LGAs Under Herdsmen Attacks — BSEMA Boss

The Executive Secretary of the Benue State Emergency Management Agency (BSEMA), James Iorpuu, has revealed that 17 out of the 23 local government areas in the state are currently under attack by armed herders.

Speaking with journalists on Wednesday in Makurdi, Iorpuu said only Ogbadibo, Ohimini, Konshisha, Gboko, Ushongo, and one other local government have been spared from the ongoing assaults.

The BSEMA boss, who also serves as the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, lamented that the attacks have displaced hundreds of thousands of residents, leaving many homeless and financially incapacitated.

He also urged the Federal Government to dredge the Rivers Benue and Niger to prevent the recurring flooding problem that affects several communities annually.

Commenting on governance, Iorpuu commended Governor Hyacinth Alia, saying he has “performed beyond expectations.”

He dismissed claims by an independent assessor that the Alia administration was underperforming, describing such assertions as politically motivated.

“For the governor not to have borrowed money from any financial institution since assuming office is a clear indication of purposeful leadership and accountability,” Iorpuu said.

He noted that the ‘Divine Mandate’ group, which championed Alia’s 2023 governorship bid, remains proud of his achievements so far and plans to launch a second phase of its campaign before the end of the year to further promote the governor ahead of the 2027 elections.

Iorpuu also cautioned Benue residents against individuals pressuring the governor to share state funds among a select few, warning that such actions would undermine equitable development across the state.