Governor Hyacinth Alia has revealed that 76 security personnel have lost their lives in Benue State over the past year while serving to protect the region.

The announcement came during a poignant meeting with families of the deceased in Makurdi, where the governor assured that their sacrifices would be honored.

The fallen personnel, drawn from the police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), military, Benue State Civil Protection Guards, and Operation Zenda joint security team, were remembered for their dedication.

Governor Alia presented a cash donation of N5 million to each affected family, acknowledging the “supreme price” paid to maintain peace.

“We appreciate the sacrifice made by these fallen heroes to defend the territory and ensure the citizenry live in peace,” - Alia

The governor pledged ongoing support, including educational scholarships for the children of the deceased, inclusion on the state protocol list, and periodic visits to the widows.

Alia also extended gratitude to President Bola Tinubu, the Chief of Defense Staff, and Service Chiefs for their efforts to restore stability. Additionally, he recognized the First Lady and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) for their support to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), noting that a committee is working to ensure fair distribution of aid to facilitate their return to ancestral homes.

Air Commodore Jacob Gbamwuan (retd), Director General of the Benue State Bureau of Homeland Security, confirmed the toll of 76 lives lost between 2024 and 2025, honoring them as heroes.

Benue State Commissioner of Police Ifeanyi Emenari praised the government’s “spectacular” and “unprecedented” gesture, calling it a morale booster for security forces. Emenari emphasized continued collaboration with the state government to eradicate criminal activity, reinforcing that “it is not over until our desire for the state is achieved.”