Insecurity: Orbunde promises int'l backing, grassroots action for Benue

By Benedicta Aboh

The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant in Benue State, Hon. Terwase Orbunde, has vowed to deploy a combination of grassroots mobilisation and international partnerships to tackle the state’s lingering security challenges if elected governor in 2027.

Orbunde gave the assurance  while addressing members of the Kwande Intermediate Area Interparty Governorship Advocacy Committee and other stakeholders during an interactive session held at Doo Palace Resort, Ushongo.

He argued that the sustained attacks and occupation of communities in parts of Benue by armed groups reflect a wider, transnational security problem that cannot be effectively addressed through local measures alone.

“The insecurity we are facing has gone beyond our borders. Those involved operate through networks that span several countries, and only a stronger, coordinated international response can defeat them,” Orbunde said.

To buttress his position, the former Chief of Staff recalled a revelation by a former governor of Kaduna State, who publicly stated that funds were paid to bandits operating across multiple African countries, highlighting the cross-border nature of the menace.

Orbunde disclosed that during the build-up to his 2023 governorship ambition, he initiated preliminary engagements with international actors, adding that Israel, the European Union and the United States of America indicated willingness to support efforts aimed at addressing security concerns in Benue State.

According to him, such external support, when aligned with local intelligence and community-based efforts, could be effectively deployed to confront both internal and external security threats.

The APC aspirant called on stakeholders from the Kwande Intermediate Area to rally behind his governorship bid, noting that their support and encouragement had contributed significantly to his political development and readiness to govern.

He highlighted his political pedigree, which includes serving as a member of the House of Representatives, chairman of a local government council and Chief of Staff to the Governor, positions that allowed him to sit on the state security council for several years.

Orbunde said the experience exposed him to the realities of what he described as existential security and economic challenges confronting Benue, stressing that he is well prepared to lead the state through such difficult terrain.

The meeting was attended by notable political figures, including the APC Zonal Chairman for Zone A, Barrister Vincent Uji; PDP chieftain, Elder Atsaga Anemba; APC Ushongo caucus chairman, Chief Joseph Ormye Mayange; former Ushongo Local Government chairman, Lady Veronica Gajir; as well as APC and PDP local government chairmen from Ushongo and Kwande and other party stalwarts.