Hyacinth Alia offers N380m relief to families of 76 fallen security officers, pledges scholarships and sustainable support across Benue State.

Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has unveiled a heartfelt security relief initiative for the families of 76 security personnel who died combating insecurity in the state between 2024 and 2025.

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In a solemn ceremony held in Makurdi, Alia presented symbolic cheques of N5 million each to bereaved families, totaling N380 million in direct support.

The gesture, he said, was not just financial—it was a “debt of honor.”

Their memories will continue to be a blessing to us.

We will not leave anyone behind,” Alia stated, assuring widows and children of long-term support including education scholarships and business opportunities.

Among the most emotional moments was his recount of a grieving young mother whose child, still an infant, would never know its father.

Alia pledged continuous engagement with affected families and added them to the state’s welfare protocol.

Beyond financial relief, the Hyacinth Alia Security Relief plan includes ongoing visits, skills empowerment for widows, and education pathways for orphans.

National and Security Praise

Alia extended his appreciation to Nigeria’s security leadership, including the Inspector General of Police, Chief of Defence Staff, and Civil Defence Command, for their unflinching role in restoring peace to Benue.

He also hailed President Bola Tinubu for his backing, while urging citizens to regard security operatives not as adversaries, but as selfless protectors.

Honoring the Fallen

According to Col. Jacob Gbawuan (rtd), Director General of Homeland Security, the 76 fallen officers represented multiple agencies including the Police, Military, Civil Defence, and Community Volunteer Guards.

“They are heroes who must never be forgotten,” Gbawuan affirmed.

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Benue State Police Commissioner, Ifeanyi Emenari, described Alia’s gesture as both “spectacular” and “unprecedented,” emphasizing its morale-boosting effect on active service personnel.