James Iorpuu, executive secretary, Benue State Emergency Management Agency (BSEMA), said 17 out of the 23 local governments in the state were facing herder attacks.

Mr Iorpuu told journalists on Wednesday in Makurdi that only Ogbadibo, Ohimini, Konshisha, Gboko, Ushongo and one other were not affected.

The ES, who is also the permanent secretary of the ministry of humanitarian affairs, said the attacks rendered hundreds of thousands of Benue people homeless and financially incapacitated, among others.

He further said that the federal government needs to dredge the Rivers Benue and Niger; otherwise, flooding will continue to be an annual problem in the country.

He explained that the just concluded conference of State Emergency Management Agencies in Lagos has widened the horizons of emergency managers across the state.

Mr Iorpuu said Gov. Hyacinth Alia has performed beyond their expectations.

He further dismissed claims from an independent assessor that Benue under the leadership of Alia was low in performance.

“For the governor to have not borrowed money from any financial institution since assumption of office is a clear indication of purposeful leadership and accountability,” he said.

He explained that the “Divine Mandate”, a group that lobbied Mr Alia to contest the 2023 governorship election, is proud of his achievements so far.

Mr Iorpuu said the second phase would be launched towards the end of the year to showcase and sell him for the 2027 election year.

The ES, therefore, called on Benue people to be wary of those who want the governor to be sharing state funds with few individuals at the detriment of others. 

(NAN)