The Coalition of Nigerian Youth Leaders (CONYL) has called for the immediate resignation of Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia due to the persistent failure of the state government to protect communities from recurring attacks. This demand comes after an attack on Ayilamo community in Tombo Ward of Logo Local Government Area of Benue State, which resulted in the killing of 11 people, including four Mobile Police officers and seven civilians.
The attack on Ayilamo community has been described as another devastating episode in the cycle of violence affecting communities in Benue State. CONYL, in a statement signed by its President-General, Comrade Goodluck Ibem, and Secretary-General, Comrade Junaid Abubakar, condemned the attack and commended the security personnel who confronted the assailants. The group noted that the deaths of the officers demonstrated the risks being faced by personnel deployed to protect vulnerable communities.
CONYL emphasized that the Ayilamo incident should not be treated as an isolated security incident, as recurring attacks have continued to leave communities displaced and residents traumatized. The group demanded that authorities establish the circumstances surrounding the attack, including whether there were intelligence warnings or distress calls before the incident and how such information was handled.
The Benue State Police Command confirmed that four Mobile Police officers and seven civilians were killed after armed attackers invaded Ayilamo. The police reported that security personnel engaged the attackers in a prolonged gun battle before forcing them to retreat into the surrounding forest. The identities of the four officers were disclosed as ASP Paul Ina, Inspector Mohammed Yusuf, Inspector Oge Ikechukwu, and Inspector Edeh Andrew.
CONYL demanded that anyone found to have participated in the attack, supported it, or facilitated it should be arrested and prosecuted, irrespective of political or social status. The group stressed that there should be no sacred cows, no political protection, and no impunity. This call for accountability comes as another attack on security personnel in the area was reported, in which two newly deployed Mobile Police officers were killed on September 14.
The youth coalition also demanded a comprehensive security audit of vulnerable communities across Benue State, reinforcement of security personnel, and improved operational capacity in communities repeatedly targeted by armed groups. CONYL called for regular public disclosure of measures being taken to protect vulnerable communities to strengthen public confidence and enable citizens to understand the government's response to the security crisis.
CONYL expressed concern over reports surrounding attempts to prevent or obstruct political figures and other Nigerians from visiting communities affected by violence. The group called for transparency in establishing what happened whenever legitimate humanitarian or solidarity visits are obstructed and for sanctions against anyone found to have unlawfully prevented assistance or solidarity from reaching victims.
Key points
- CONYL demands Governor Hyacinth Alia's resignation over security failures.
- The group calls for a comprehensive investigation into the Ayilamo attack and prosecution of suspects.
- CONYL demands a security audit and improved protection for vulnerable communities.
