Chief Sebastine Hon, a Professor of Law Practice and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, has formally petitioned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, calling for the immediate declaration of a state of military emergency in Benue State due to escalating violence and insecurity that have claimed hundreds of lives.
In the petition presented to the presidency, Chief Hon condemned the ongoing deadly attacks in Benue, criticizing Governor Hyacinth Alia for downplaying the severity of the crisis by referring to the violence as mere “skirmishes.”
The Senior Advocate highlighted recent attacks on Agan Community in Makurdi on May 29, and assaults on Naka and Edikwu-Ankpali communities on June 1, which resulted in numerous fatalities.
According to him, the state government has failed to issue official statements or provide adequate support to the victims.
Hon also expressed strong disapproval of the governor’s response on social media, describing it as dismissive and insensitive to the plight of affected families.
He pointed out that while the governor celebrated his two-year anniversary in office on the day of the Agan attack, there was no condolence or acknowledgment of the tragedy.
The petition further accused military authorities in Benue of complicity or negligence in the face of violence.
Citing incidents such as the failure of soldiers at a checkpoint to intervene during an attack on Reverend Father Solomon Atongo, Chief Hon claimed that armed assailants routinely evade military checkpoints, often using motorcycles to move freely.
He also noted reports from Catholic priests alleging military collusion, which has led to the closure of over 15 parishes in the state.
Hon called for urgent military intervention, referencing historical precedents where Nigerian presidents declared states of emergency in troubled regions, including Plateau State in 2004, Ekiti State in 2006, and parts of Borno State in 2013.
He emphasized that the current situation in Benue surpasses these crises in magnitude.
The petition also drew parallels with the United States, citing several presidential emergency declarations to illustrate the constitutional basis and necessity for decisive action.
However, Hon urged President Tinubu to not only declare military emergency but also to overhaul the military leadership in Benue State, including the replacement of ground troops, to effectively address the worsening security situation.