Declare State of Emergency in Benue, SAN Urges President Tinubu Over Worsening Insecurity

Renowned legal expert and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Prof. Sebastine Hon, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to declare a military state of emergency in Benue State, citing the alarming rate of violence and government inaction.

In a petition signed by Hon and addressed directly to the President, he accused the Benue State Government, led by Governor Hyacinth Alia, of neglecting its constitutional responsibilities amid repeated attacks and killings in the state.

The petition referenced recent deadly incidents in Agan (May 29), Naka, and Edikwu-Ankpali (June 1), stating that dozens have died without a single visit or statement from the state government.

Hon condemned the governor’s characterization of the violence as “skirmishes,” noting that public celebrations continued in the state while communities mourned.

“The governor has yet to issue a condolence statement or visit victims’ families, four days after Agan Community was attacked in broad daylight,” Hon wrote.

He also raised concerns about the role of security forces, claiming that military personnel have at times failed to intervene, even when violence occurred close to their checkpoints. One such case involved an attack on Rev. Fr. Solomon Atongo, just 500 meters from a military post.

Hon urged the President to overhaul military leadership in the state, criticizing their performance as “clearly unsatisfactory.”

He drew historical parallels to past emergency declarations in Western Nigeria (1962), Plateau State (2004), Ekiti State (2006), and parts of Borno and Plateau States (2011) under previous administrations.

Citing similar measures taken in the United States—such as former President Donald Trump’s emergency declaration for border security—Hon argued that the deteriorating security in Benue mirrors such justifications.

He concluded his petition with a strong warning:

“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!”