An influential chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Jeffrey Kuraun, has attributed the persistent killings in Benue State to the alleged failure of Governor Hyacinth Alia to properly utilize the state’s ₦3 billion monthly security vote.
In a strongly worded statement released in Abuja on Sunday, Kuraun, who contested for the Benue governorship in the 2023 elections, decried the repeated attacks as “tragic” and “deeply alarming,” especially in light of the state’s substantial security funding.
Kuraun argued that the situation demands decisive action, not just condolences or symbolic gestures.
“Benue cannot continue to suffer avoidable bloodshed while receiving the largest monthly allocation for security among all Nigerian states,” he said.
“The security votes must translate to security impact. Security votes are public funds meant to be used for operational intelligence, local law enforcement support, community policing, and proactive threat neutralisation.”
The APC stalwart questioned the effectiveness of the current administration’s handling of the funds, stressing that results on the ground do not reflect the resources allocated.
“If Benue receives over ₦3 billion monthly and yet communities remain exposed to attacks, then the effectiveness of fund utilisation is in question,” he asserted.
Rejecting the common tendency to shift blame, Kuraun insisted that the primary duty of security begins with state leadership.
“There should be No Room For Blame Games; It is easy to point fingers at federal agencies, neighboring states, or even past administrations. However, the first responsibility lies with the current custodians of power in Benue.”
In his policy brief titled “Accountability Over Excuses, Benue Must Lead the Security Response,” Kuraun emphasized the importance of local ownership of the security strategy.
“Leadership means taking the initiative and not waiting for Abuja or external actors. Excuses and blame cannot replace action,” he said.
He urged the state to invest in building a robust community-led security architecture, involving traditional institutions and grassroots stakeholders.
“Community policing units must be trained and equipped,” he said, adding that “traditional rulers, local leaders, and vigilante networks must be formally engaged.”
To regain public trust, Kuraun called for full transparency regarding the disbursement and impact of security funds.
“There should be a public audit of security spending to rebuild public trust and ensure the votes are not misappropriated,” he noted.
“Transparency is non-negotiable; the veil of secrecy over how security votes are spent must be lifted. The good people of Benue State have a right to ask: What exactly is ₦3 billion achieving monthly?”
He emphasized that the partnership with federal security agencies must be based on mutual accountability, not rivalry, and insisted that lives and safety must be prioritized above political calculations.
“Benue is not just a line item on a budget, as it is home to millions of Nigerians whose lives and livelihoods are at stake,” he said.
“With the highest security vote in the country, the state government must lead the security intervention with courage, clarity, and full accountability.”
Kuraun concluded by issuing a firm warning to state authorities:
“Lives must matter more than politics. Inaction would no longer be acceptable.”
