Date: June 6, 2025
Byline: FrontNaija News
Makurdi, Benue State — In the wake of escalating violence in Benue State, Chief Sebastine Hon, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and constitutional law expert, has formally petitioned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging the immediate declaration of a military state of emergency in the region.
In his petition, Chief Hon highlighted a series of brutal attacks that have claimed numerous lives and displaced communities. Notably, on May 29, 2025, the Agan community in Makurdi was attacked in broad daylight, resulting in multiple fatalities. Despite the proximity of a military barracks, there was no intervention from security forces.
Further incidents include the May 24 attack on Rev. Fr. Solomon Atongo near Naka, Gwer-East LGA, just 500 meters from a military checkpoint, where no assistance was rendered until after the assailants had fled.
Chief Hon accused the Benue State Government, led by Governor Hyacinth Alia, of negligence and insensitivity, citing the administration’s failure to respond adequately to the security crisis. He emphasized that the sovereignty of Nigeria is at serious risk and that immediate action is necessary.
The petition also references the closure of over 15 Catholic parishes in Benue due to ongoing attacks, with the Catholic Church calling for decisive action against the perpetrators.
As the situation deteriorates, residents and religious leaders alike are calling on the federal government to intervene and restore peace to the embattled state.
Sources:
Daily Post Nigeria: Benue killings: Ace lawyer Sebastine Hon petitions Tinubu, demands state of emergency
Daily Post Nigeria: Catholic Church shut down over 15 parishes in Benue over herdsmen attacks
