Benue Governor Alia to NYSC Corps Members: “You Are Safe Here” Amid Insecurity Fears

Hyacinth Alia

Amid escalating security concerns in Benue State, Governor Hyacinth Alia has assured members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) posted to the state of their safety, promising intensified protection measures throughout their service year.

Speaking during the closing ceremony of the 2025 Batch A Stream II orientation camp in Wannune, Tarka LGA, Governor Alia urged corps members to proceed to their places of primary assignment “without fear.” He acknowledged the rising tension caused by recent attacks on communities but emphasized his administration’s proactive steps to strengthen security.

“We will not rest until peace is fully restored. Additional personnel have been deployed to the most vulnerable areas,” Alia stated.

Benue has remained a flashpoint of Nigeria’s herder-farmer conflicts, with over 1,000 lives lost between May 2023 and May 2025, according to Beacon Security and Intelligence Limited. A recent massacre that claimed more than 200 lives drew national attention and prompted a visit from President Bola Tinubu, followed by the formation of a judicial panel to investigate alleged mismanagement between 2015 and 2023.

While the governor’s words were meant to inspire confidence, public reaction has been split. On X (formerly Twitter), some users praised the move, while others, like @OGARAGIDI, called it “another round of empty talk,” arguing that NYSC should be restructured or abolished altogether in the face of ongoing violence.

The state’s NYSC coordinator, Veronica Garba, applauded the corps members for completing the orientation camp and reminded them to respect local traditions and conduct themselves responsibly. Governor Alia also warned organizations—both public and private—against rejecting corps members posted to them, reaffirming a state-backed sanction policy for non-compliance.

As Benue battles deep-rooted insecurity, many will be watching closely to see whether Governor Alia’s promises can stand the test of time—and whether Nigeria's NYSC system can evolve to ensure the safety of its youth in a nation still striving for stability.

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